What can visitors see at the temple?

The main attraction is the wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) housed in the main hall, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. Visitors can explore the traditional temple architecture, view sacred Buddhist statues, and walk through the historic grounds that reflect centuries of religious practice. The temple's rural setting on Dōgo Island also offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of the Oki Islands.

How do I get to Oki Kokubun-ji?

First, take a ferry to Dōgo Island from either Sakaiminato or Shichirui Port on the mainland, with journeys taking 2 to 3 hours. From Saigō Port, the main ferry terminal, the temple is approximately 10 kilometers away. You can reach it by rental car, taxi, or local bus service. Rental cars are recommended for exploring the Oki Islands at your own pace.

Is there an admission fee to visit the temple?

Admission to Oki Kokubun-ji is typically free. However, donations are welcomed and appreciated to help maintain the temple grounds and preserve this historic site for future generations. This is standard practice at many Buddhist temples throughout Japan.

Can Oki Kokubun-ji be combined with other attractions in the Oki Islands?

Yes, the temple makes an excellent addition to an Oki Islands itinerary. The Oki Islands are known for their dramatic coastal landscapes, UNESCO Global Geopark sites, traditional culture, and outdoor activities. Visitors typically spend 2 to 3 days exploring Dōgo Island and the neighboring Dozen Islands, combining cultural sites like Oki Kokubun-ji with natural attractions such as sea cliffs, beaches, and hiking trails.

Shimane

Oki Kokubun-ji, Okinoshima

3.8 (175)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated Mar 29, 2026

Oki Kokubun-ji is a historic Buddhist temple located on Dōgo Island in the Oki Islands, Shimane Prefecture, Japan. Established in 741 during the Nara period under Emperor Shōmu's directive, it served as the provincial temple of ancient Oki Province. The temple was part of a nationwide network of state-sponsored temples called kokubunji created to protect the nation through Buddhist prayer and consolidate imperial authority across Japan's provinces.

The temple holds significant cultural importance as one of the few remaining provincial temples that maintains its original function and location. While many kokubunji temples were abandoned or relocated over centuries, Oki Kokubun-ji preserves its historical continuity. The main hall houses a wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai (the Medicine Buddha), which is designated as an Important Cultural Property. The temple grounds feature traditional architecture that reflects centuries of Buddhist worship in this remote island location, offering visitors insight into Japan's religious and administrative history during the ancient period.

Visitors to Oki Kokubun-ji can explore the temple's historic structures, view the sacred Buddha statues, and experience the tranquil atmosphere of this centuries-old site. The temple is situated in a quiet rural setting surrounded by the natural beauty characteristic of the Oki Islands, making it an ideal stop for those interested in Japanese Buddhist heritage and island culture. The site provides a contemplative environment away from urban centers, allowing for peaceful reflection and cultural appreciation.

The temple is located approximately 10 kilometers from Saigō Port, the main ferry terminal on Dōgo Island. Visitors can reach the site by rental car, taxi, or local bus service from Saigō. The Oki Islands are accessible by ferry from Sakaiminato or Shichirui Port on the mainland, with journey times ranging from 2 to 3 hours depending on the route. Admission to the temple grounds is typically free, though donations are welcomed to support temple maintenance.

Phone

+81 8512-2-2934

Overview

Address

Furomae-5 Ikeda, Okinoshima, Oki-gun, Shimane 685-0007, Japan

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Tamatsukuri Onsen, Matsue

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Places & attractions near Oki Kokubun-ji, Okinoshima

Tamatsukuri Onsen, Matsue

Iwami Ginzan World Heritage Center, Oda

Kuniga Coast, Nishinoshima

Yunotsu Onsen

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

It is the first temple in Oki island and it built in 8th century by a Japanese emperor at the time. It's located next to the Mo-Mo dome and visitors pay for entrance fee.

MatMak

Sep 28, 2016

It felt like I was traveling back in time. I highly recommend this temple. Thank you. From an excerpt... The area behind the main hall of the Oki Kokubunji Temple grounds was designated a national historic site in 1934 (Showa 9) as the site of Emperor Godaigo's temporary residence after his exile. The neatly arranged foundation stones of the Great Gate and the main hall evoke memories of the past. There is a stone monument marking the site of Emperor Godaigo's temporary residence and a sign explaining that Emperor Godaigo resided here for approximately one year from 1532. The main hall was destroyed by fire in 2007 (Heisei 19). Excavations conducted in 2009 (Heisei 21) in conjunction with the reconstruction uncovered remains believed to be the site of the old Kokubunji temple. The current main hall was rebuilt in 2014 (Heisei 26). The Renge-e Mai dance, held every year on April 21st, has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by the national government as it preserves an ancient style. The Renge-e Mai Hall on the temple grounds displays materials on the Renge-e Mai dance, a performance stage, roof tiles from the Nara period, and materials related to Emperor Godaigo.

This is the temple where Emperor Godaigo is said to have been exiled. I visited after a heavy snowfall, so there was no one else there but me, and the surrounding area was completely covered in snow, making the tranquility and sacredness of the place particularly striking.

When I visited, there was no one there, so I paid the admission fee as an offering. The building was more beautiful than I expected. It seems that they also have a goshuin stamp, but unfortunately I decided not to get one.

This temple is one of the provincial temples built across the country in response to the Imperial Rescript on the Construction of Provincial Temples issued by Emperor Shomu in 741 (Heisei 13). Towards the end of the Kamakura period, Emperor Godaigo was defeated in the Genko Rebellion in 1332 (Ganko 2) and exiled to Oki Islands, where he is said to have used Oki Kokubunji Temple as his temporary residence. However, as Kuroki Palace on Nishinoshima Island is also known as a possible temporary residence for the emperor, the actual location of the temporary residence is unclear. A corner of the Oki Kokubunji temple grounds behind the main hall was designated a national historic site in 1934 (Showa 9) as the site of Emperor Godaigo's temporary residence during his exile. The neatly arranged foundation stones of the remains of the main gate and main hall are reminiscent of times gone by. There is a stone monument marking the site of Emperor Godaigo's temporary residence, as well as a sign explaining that Emperor Godaigo resided here for approximately a year from 1532. The main hall was destroyed by fire in 2007 (Heisei 19). Excavations conducted in 2009 (Heisei 21) in conjunction with the reconstruction uncovered remains that appear to be the site of the old Kokubunji temple. The current main hall was rebuilt in 2014 (Heisei 26). The Renge-e Mai dance, held every year on April 21st, has been designated an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property by Japan for its preservation of its ancient style. The Renge-e Mai Hall on the temple grounds displays materials on the Renge-e Mai dance, a performance stage, roof tiles from the Nara period, and materials related to Emperor Godaigo.