Kitano temple ruins
The Kitano temple ruins (北野廃寺跡, Kitao haji ato) is an archaeological site with the ruins of an Asuka period Buddhist temple located in what is now the city of Okazaki, Aichi, Japan. The actual name of the temple is unknown, and no structures of the original temple exists, but the temple grounds were designated as a National Historic Site by the Japanese government in 1929.[1]
| Kitano temple ruins | |
|---|---|
北野廃寺跡 | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Buddhist |
| Status | ruins |
| Location | |
| Location | Okazaki, Aichi |
| Country | Japan |
  Shown within Aichi Prefecture  Kitano temple ruins (Japan) | |
| Geographic coordinates | 34°59′26″N 137°08′24″E |
Overview
The site is located located on the southeastern edge of the Hekikai Plateau on the right bank of the Yahagi River. The site dates from the 7th century and was abandoned in the middle of the Heian period (late 10th century). The precinct covers an area of 126.5 meters from east to west and 140 meters from north to south.
An excavation survey conducted in 1964 a survey related to the development of a historic park found the foundations of a pagoda, the Lecture Hall, and fragments other structures, including the Middle Gate and South Gate. The condition of many of these foundations was found to be very poor, so in many causes the exact size and position of the buildings could only be estimated, but the layout was similar to that of Shitenno-ji in Osaka.
From the side of the foundation, the height of the pagoda can be estimated to be 11.35 meters, or roughly the same size as the pagoda at Hōryū-ji in Nara. The Kondo was 15.3 meters by 12.2 meters, and the Lecture Hall was 30.15 meters x 16.25 meters and was an eight x four bay hall.
The excavated artifacts included roof tiles, tile towers, iron nails, Sue ware pottery, ash-glazed pottery, and fragments of Buddhist statuary The style of roof tiles appears strongly influenced by Goguryeo, and is unique to the area. One of the artifacts found was a bronze casket decorated similar to one found at the Shōsōin in Nara, indicating that this temple had some connection with either the Korean peninsula or the Asian continent. The artifacts are now stored in the Okazaki City Museum of Art.
References
- "北野廃寺跡" (in Japanese). Agency for Cultural Affairs.
External links
- Aichi Bunka Navi (in Japanese)
- Okazaki Tourism home page(in Japanese)