Hida Kokubun-ji (Japanese: 飛騨国分寺) is a Shingon-sect (真言宗) Buddhist temple in the city of Takayama (高山), Gifu (岐阜), Japan. It is one of the few surviving provincial temples established by Emperor Shōmu (聖武天皇) during the Nara period (710 – 794).
The construction of Hida Kokubun-ji is believed to be around 757, over 15 years from the foundation of the provincial temple (Kokubun-ji) system in 741.
Kokubun-ji (国分寺) were Buddhist temples established in each of the provinces of Japan by Emperor Shōmu during the Nara (奈良) period (710 – 794).
Sarubobo (さるぼぼ) is a Japanese amulet, particularly in Gifu Prefecture. Sarubobo are red human-shaped dolls, with no facial features. Traditionally, sarubobo are made by grandmothers for their grandchildren to ensure a well-rounded couple.
There is a big ginkgo tree next to the pagoda. This ginkgo tree is said to be more than 1,200 years old, and is called "milk ginkgo" because the aerial roots that hang down from the tree look like breasts.
According to local folklore, this ginkgo tree was planted by Guanyin Bodhisattva himself. Any mother visiting here will have abundant breast milk for her baby.
Hida Kokubun-ji is located in downtown Takayama, a short distance from Takayama Station. If you are visiting Takayama, you may wish to visit this small but elegant temple.
