Hinokuma-dera Temple Site

A Forgotten Temple

with Deep Imperial Ties in Asuka

Tucked quietly in the scenic hills of Asuka Village, the Hinokuma-dera Temple Site may be little-known today, but it once stood at the crossroads of faith, power, and imperial legacy in ancient Japan. Believed to have been founded in the 7th century, Hinokuma-dera was deeply connected to Prince Shotoku’s lineage and possibly even the Empress Saimei era, reflecting the spiritual aspirations of Japan’s ruling elite. While few visible structures remain, excavations have uncovered the temple’s original layout, including the foundations of its pagoda and main hall, indicating a once-grand Buddhist complex. Its proximity to other key sites such as the Takamatsuzuka Tomb and Asuka Palace Site suggests that Hinokuma-dera played a significant role in Asuka’s religious and political landscape. For those seeking hidden gems and untold stories from Japan’s formative centuries, this sacred ruin invites quiet reflection on the passage of time and the impermanence of power.

Explore the Sights

See photos that bring Hinokuma-dera Temple Site to life.

A peaceful outdoor scene with trees, fallen leaves, and stepping stones on the ground, near traditional Japanese-style buildings.
A stone pagoda monument in a garden surrounded by greenery and trees.
A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with a wooden structure, tiled roof, and two stone guardian statues outside, surrounded by trees.
A small wooden Shinto shrine with stone steps and guardian statues in front, surrounded by trees.
Old stone water well with circular opening surrounded by green grass and plants, fenced by iron bars in the background.
A small traditional Japanese wooden shrine surrounded by trees with green leaves, with stone lanterns in front of it.
A tranquil backyard garden scene with trees, green foliage, a stone lantern, and sunlight filtering through the branches.
A small stone shrine with a white rope tie, a wooden cross, and a small ceramic container is situated on a large moss-covered rock in a garden, surrounded by green foliage and trees.
A small shrine with a wooden lattice door, surrounded by Japanese stone lanterns and markers, set in a garden with fallen autumn leaves and trees with green and yellow foliage.
A park with a gravel path, green grass, and tall trees under a clear blue sky.