The ruins of Suruga Kokubunji, one of the provincial temples built in all 60-plus provinces of Japan by decree of Emperor Shomu in 741. Pillar base stones said to have supported a seven-story pagoda are still exposed at the surface, evoking the scale and grandeur of the original complex. Designated a National Historic Site and protected; artifacts including tiles excavated in archaeological survey…

Suruga Kokubunji was established in 741 (the 13th year of Tenpyo) near present-day Hase, Aoi Ward, Shizuoka City, following an imperial decree by Emperor Shomu ordering the construction of provincial temples throughout Japan. During the Nara period, the complex is said to have comprised a main hall,…