Haji Momoi Temple Ruins: A Hakuho-Period Buddhist Temple in the Heart of Inaba
Nestled on a hillside extending southeast from Mt. Reisekisan in Yazu Town, Tottori Prefecture, the Haji Momoi Temple Ruins (土師百井廃寺跡) stand as one of the most important archaeological sites from Japan's Hakuho period (late 7th to early 8th century). Designated as a National Historic Site, this ancient temple complex offers a rare and remarkably well-preserved window into early Buddhist architecture in the San'in region of western Japan.
Once known as Jijūji Temple (慈住寺), the site preserves foundation stones in their original positions, providing invaluable evidence of how Buddhism spread from the capital region to Japan's provincial areas during this transformative era. For visitors seeking an authentic encounter with ancient Japanese history far from the tourist crowds, the Haji Momoi Temple Ruins offer a serene and deeply rewarding experience.
History and Background
The Haji Momoi Temple Ruins represent the remains of a Buddhist temple believed to have been constructed during the Hakuho period, roughly between the mid-7th century and the early 8th century. This era, spanning from the Taika Reforms of 645 CE to the relocation of the capital to Nara in 710 CE, was a time of remarkable cultural and religious transformation in Japan. Buddhism, which had primarily flourished in the Kinai region around present-day Nara and Osaka, began spreading to provincial areas as local clan leaders embraced the new faith.
The site had long been recognized locally for its visible pagoda foundation stones. However, it was not until systematic excavations conducted in 1978 and 1979 (Shōwa 53–54) by the Kōge Town Board of Education that the full extent of the temple complex was revealed. These excavations confirmed the presence of a main hall (kondō), lecture hall (kōdō), corridor (kairō), and middle gate (chūmon), establishing the site as a fully developed temple complex rather than merely an isolated pagoda.
The temple was initially designated as a National Historic Site in 1931 (Shōwa 6) under the name "Haji Momoi Haiji Pagoda Site." Following the comprehensive excavations that revealed the broader temple layout, the designation was expanded and renamed to "Haji Momoi Temple Ruins" in 1980 (Shōwa 55), reflecting its significance as an entire temple complex.
Why It Was Designated: The Archaeological Significance
The Haji Momoi Temple Ruins hold exceptional importance for several reasons that led to their designation as a National Historic Site.
Hōkiji-Style Temple Layout
The excavations revealed that the temple follows the Hōkiji-style temple layout (法起寺式伽藍配置), the same arrangement used at the famous Hōkiji Temple in Nara. In this configuration, the pagoda is positioned to the east and the main hall (kondō) to the west, with the lecture hall (kōdō) placed to the north. This layout is characteristic of Hakuho-period temples and demonstrates that the latest architectural trends from the capital were being adopted in this remote corner of Inaba Province.
Remarkably Preserved Foundation Stones
The pagoda site is particularly noteworthy. Built upon a square base measuring approximately 16 meters on each side, it retains not only the central heart pillar foundation stone (shinsō) but also all 16 surrounding foundation stones in their original positions. This level of preservation is exceedingly rare among provincial Hakuho-period temples and provides crucial data for understanding construction techniques and architectural proportions of the era.
Significant Artifacts
The excavations yielded a wealth of artifacts that illuminate the temple's history and connections. Among the most notable finds are roof tiles bearing the characters for "Inaba" (因幡), the ancient provincial name for eastern Tottori. Ornamental roof-ridge finials called shibi (鴟尾) were also recovered, along with single-petal eight-leaf lotus-pattern eave tiles (tannben hachiyō renge-mon nokimarugawara). Additionally, Buddhist hair curls (rahotsu), ritual deposit items (chindangu), and Yamada-dera style tiles point to strong cultural connections with major temples in the capital region.
Together, these features make the Haji Momoi Temple Ruins an indispensable resource for understanding how Hakuho-period Buddhist temple architecture was adapted and constructed in Japan's provincial regions.
Highlights and What to See
Visiting the Haji Momoi Temple Ruins is a contemplative experience that rewards those with an appreciation for ancient history and sacred landscapes.
The Pagoda Foundation Stones
The centerpiece of the site is the pagoda base with its complete set of foundation stones. The four large inner pillar stones (shitenchū-so), each approximately 1.5 meters in diameter, and the twelve outer pillar stones remain exactly where they were placed over 1,300 years ago. The underground-type heart pillar foundation is particularly notable, as this construction method was typical of Hakuho-period pagodas.
The Temple Grounds
While no standing structures remain, the layout of the entire temple precinct can be traced through the excavated features. Walking the grounds, visitors can appreciate the spatial relationships between the pagoda, main hall, lecture hall, and corridor — gaining an understanding of how Hakuho-period temples were organized and how daily religious life unfolded within these walls.
Natural Setting
The site's location on a hillside extending from Mt. Reisekisan provides a beautiful natural backdrop. Surrounded by the mountains and forests of rural Tottori, the ruins offer a peaceful atmosphere that changes with the seasons. The quiet, uncrowded setting allows visitors to absorb the historical significance of the place at their own pace.
Surrounding Area and Nearby Attractions
Yazu Town and its surroundings offer a variety of experiences that complement a visit to the Haji Momoi Temple Ruins.
Wakasa Railway
The charming Wakasa Railway connects Kōge Station to Wakasa Town over a 19.2-kilometer route. With 23 of its stations and structures registered as Tangible Cultural Properties, the railway itself is a living museum. Retro-designed tourist trains including the "Shōwa," "Yazu," and "Wakasa" cars offer a nostalgic journey through the scenic countryside.
Ōenosato Natural Farm
This popular farm and resort complex in Yazu Town is famous for its "Tenmei Eggs" and offers a range of dining experiences, from pancakes and omelettes to artisan baked goods, all set against a backdrop of pastoral Tottori scenery.
Shirousa Shrine and Seiryūji Temple
Yazu Town has its own version of the beloved White Rabbit legend from Japanese mythology. The local Shirousa Shrine features rabbit-shaped guardian statues and connects to the wider Inaba no Shirousagi folklore tradition.
Fruit Picking
Yazu Town is renowned as a fruit-producing area, offering seasonal harvests of pears, apples, grapes, and the rare Hanagosho persimmon, which has been cultivated here for over 200 years.
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Q＆A
- How do I get to the Haji Momoi Temple Ruins?
- From Kōge Station on the JR Inbi Line (also served by Wakasa Railway), the site is approximately 5 to 7 minutes by taxi. From the Kawahara IC on the Tottori Expressway, it is about 12 minutes by car heading toward Kōge. There is no regular bus service directly to the site, so a taxi or private vehicle is recommended.
- Is there an admission fee?
- No. The site is an open-air archaeological site accessible free of charge at any time. There are no enclosed exhibition facilities on site. Artifacts excavated from the site may be viewed at local museum facilities — contact the Yazu Town Board of Education for details.
- Is the site accessible for visitors who do not speak Japanese?
- As a rural archaeological site, signage and explanatory materials are primarily in Japanese. It is recommended that visitors research the site beforehand or travel with a guide who can provide context about the Hakuho-period temple layout and archaeological significance.
- What is the best season to visit?
- The site can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly pleasant, offering mild weather and beautiful natural scenery in the surrounding mountains. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter may bring snow to the Yazu area. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the site is located on a hillside.
- What is the Hakuho period?
- The Hakuho period (白鳳時代) refers to the cultural era spanning roughly from 645 CE to 710 CE, bridging the Asuka and Nara periods. It was a time when Japan actively absorbed cultural influences from Tang Dynasty China, and Buddhism spread rapidly from the capital to provincial regions across the country. The period is named after Hakuhō, a poetic name for the Hakuchi era.
Basic Information
| Name | Haji Momoi Temple Ruins (土師百井廃寺跡) |
|---|---|
| Original Temple Name | Jijūji Temple (慈住寺) |
| Designation | National Historic Site (国指定史跡) |
| Date of Designation | November 26, 1931 (expanded and renamed June 3, 1980) |
| Period of Construction | Hakuho period (mid-7th to early 8th century) |
| Temple Layout | Hōkiji-style (法起寺式伽藍配置) |
| Address | Haji Momoi, Yazu Town, Yazu District, Tottori Prefecture |
| Access | Approximately 5–7 minutes by taxi from Kōge Station (JR Inbi Line / Wakasa Railway) |
| Admission | Free (open-air site) |
| Contact | Yazu Town Board of Education, Social Education Division — TEL: 0858-84-1232 |
References
- 土師百井廃寺跡 — やずナビ（八頭町観光協会）
- https://yazukanko.jp/seeing_play/historicsite/hajimomoihaijiato/
- 土師百井廃寺跡 — とっとり文化財ナビ（鳥取県公式）
- http://db.pref.tottori.jp/bunkazainavi.nsf/bunkazai_web_view/BA97211007609E744925796F0007FD05
- 国指定文化財等データベース — 文化庁
- https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/heritage/detail/401/00003661
- 土師百井廃寺跡発掘調査報告書 — 全国遺跡報告総覧
- https://sitereports.nabunken.go.jp/en/14169
- 交通アクセス — やずナビ（八頭町観光協会）
- https://yazukanko.jp/access/
Last verified: 2026.03.03
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