Bitchū Kokubun Temple

Bitchu Kokubunji is a historic temple that was once destroyed by fire but rebuilt in the late Edo period. Its symbolic five-story pagoda is designated an Important Cultural Property of Japan, and the Bitchu Kokubunji Ruins building group as well as the wooden standing statue of Jizo Bosatsu are also designated Important Cultural Properties of Okayama Prefecture. A major highlight is the wide field of lotus-like Chinese milk vetch (renge) flowers around the temple; the combination of the pagoda rising above the renge blossoms is especially beautiful. The collaboration with the sunset is also stunning, and many photographers visit to capture the pagoda silhouette at dusk. The temple itself and the surrounding area are very tranquil and relaxing, but it is also part of the course of the annual “Soja Kibi Marathon,” when the area becomes lively with runners. It’s great for quiet sightseeing, but if you’re interested in marathons, you might even consider participating.