noun
provincial temple (Nara period)
Historical term for state-established Buddhist temples built in each province under Emperor Shōmu in the 8th century. Often appears in historical or geographical contexts.
奈良時代に、各国に国分寺が建てられた。
In the Nara period, provincial temples were built in each province.
この地域の国分
Roof tiles from that era were excavated from the ruins of the provincial temple in this area.