Hida Kokubunji 飛騨国分寺
To the glory of the Millennium ginkgo
Built in 746 by the Emperor Shomu (701-756), the oldest temple in Takayama proudly at the heart of its enclosure an imposing tree, old thousand two hundred years.
The ringing of the gong struck by a visitor or players breaks the silence children, if this is not the engine of a car. Quiet island just five minutes from the station, the Hida Kokubunji done in height between a three-story pagoda and a king ginkgo in his land.
Destroyed by fire, the site includes a wooden main hall which houses many national treasures including two statues of the Buddha Yakushi Nyorai and Kannon dating from the Heian period (794-1185). The oldest part of the complex still preserved dates from the seventeenth century.
Outside, the famous pagoda throne, the only prefecture Hida, rebuilt in the nineteenth century. Seasonal assume the colors of changing hues, golden brown in summer, winter, black wet wood lost in the middle of snowy white ... Takayama exposes his treasures.
The wise
Unmistakable by its size, ginkgo whose leaves are adorned also with different colors depending on the time of year, the enclosure seat in the court, not skimping on a splendor that has earned the title of National Treasure. Slightly hiding a stone doll nestled between two pieces of bark, leaves discuss these with the sky while tickling the heads of the largest visitors who approach.
