Following the path of over 1,200 years of faith and cultural heritage

Aki Kokubunji, a temple with over 1,200 years of history in Saijo, Hiroshima, is one of the Kokubunji established throughout Japan in the 8th century by order of Emperor Shōmu. Over the centuries, the temple was repeatedly burned down and reconstructed. The current main hall was rebuilt in 2004.

Within the temple grounds, in addition to the main hall that houses the principal image—a seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the healing Buddha designated as a cultural property of Higashihiroshima City—there is also the Goma Hall (fire ritual hall) built in the late Edo period and the Niō Gate, Deva gate erected in the 16th century. There is also a statue of a seated Yakushi Nyorai dating from the late Heian period (designated as a cultural property of Hiroshima Prefecture).

In addition to visiting the shrine, guests can also participate in a goma fire ritual, zen meditation, and sutra copying, and stay overnight in temple lodgings. This is a valuable opportunity to experience Japan’s traditional culture. Some of the original structures from the time the temple was founded are preserved nearby at the Aki Kokubunji Historical Park, allowing visitors to envision the appearance of the ancient temple.