Buzen Kokubunji Temple’s Three-Story Pagoda

豊前国分寺三重塔

The seven-story pagoda at Buzen Kokubunji Temple was destroyed by fire in the war against Otomo Sorin during the Tensho Era (1573 - 1592). In 1895, a three-story pagoda was rebuilt as a reincarnation of the one that burned down, and a completion ceremony took place the following year.
The pagoda we see today was completely dismantled and repaired between 1985 and 1987. At 23.5 meters (about 77 feet) tall, it is the second tallest three-story pagoda in Japan (following the pagoda at Hokiji Temple in Nara). 12 zodiac symbols can be seen carved into the upper half of the second floor’s exterior wall, conjuring up the atmosphere of “cultural enlightenment” that permiated the Meiji Era (mid-19th century - early 20th century).

About the Pagoda: Prefecturally-Designated Tangible Cultural Asset; original built in 741AD, three-story replica in 1895
Tours: Occasionally available

Address (Japanese)	824-0123　福岡県京都郡みやこ町国分280
Address	280 Kokubun, Miyako Town, Miyako County, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	0930-33-4666（みやこ町歴史民俗博物館）
Contact	Miyako Town Board of Education
Car Park	50 vehicles (tour bus space available)
Access	From JR Yukuhashi Station, take a Keichiku Kotsu bus to Nishiki Machi bus stop (20 minute walk from there)