Hida Kokubunji is a historic temple of the Koyasan Shingon Buddhist sect, located in Takayama City, Gifu Prefecture. It is regarded as the oldest temple in the Hida region, with a history spanning more than 1,000 years. The temple is said to have been established by the revered Buddhist priest Gyōki around 757.
The temple grounds feature the Main Hall, a nationally designated Important Cultural Property dating from the mid-Muromachi period; a three-story pagoda rebuilt in 1821; and a magnificent ginkgo tree designated a National Natural Monument, estimated to be more than 1,250 years old. The principal object of worship includes a seated statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Medicine and Healing.
Hida Kokubunji originated with the nationwide establishment of provincial temples ordered by Emperor Shōmu in 741. Around 757, the temple was reportedly built by Gyōki. It was destroyed by fire in 819 and reconstructed in 855.
The Main Hall was rebuilt during the Muromachi period but was destroyed in warfare in 1585. A three-story pagoda was subsequently reconstructed in 1615, only to collapse during a severe storm in 1791. The present pagoda was rebuilt in 1821.
In 1695, the Hida region came under direct control of the Tokugawa shogunate. Part of Takayama Castle was relocated to the temple grounds and incorporated into structures such as the bell tower gate, adding another layer to the site’s historical significance.
The Main Hall, constructed during the mid-Muromachi period, is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. It is a single-story building with a hipped-and-gabled roof, measuring five bays across the front and four bays in depth.
The structure is distinguished by its substantial timber framework, thick pillars, and prominent bracket complexes supporting the roof. Repairs carried out under the patronage of the Kanamori clan added elaborate decorative details to the building.
The present three-story pagoda was rebuilt in 1821 and is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Standing more than 22 meters tall, it features an elegant, unpainted wooden structure that blends harmoniously with Takayama’s traditional townscape.
The pagoda enshrines Dainichi Nyorai, the Cosmic Buddha, as its principal deity. Buddhist relics are also enshrined within its central pillar, adding to its religious significance.
One of the most remarkable features of Hida Kokubunji is its enormous ginkgo tree, designated a National Natural Monument. It is estimated to be more than 1,250 years old, with a trunk circumference of approximately 10 meters and a height of around 28 meters.
The tree is also known as the “Milk Ginkgo” because of the distinctive, breast-like protrusions that grow from its trunk. Its immense size and age make it a striking symbol of the temple’s long history.
With its historic Main Hall, elegant wooden pagoda, and ancient ginkgo tree, Hida Kokubunji offers visitors a glimpse into the religious and cultural history of the Hida region. Its centuries-old buildings and natural landmark make it a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the historic temples and traditional streets of Takayama.