[2025 Fukuoka Attraction] Travel Guide for Shofukuji (Updated Jun)

Address: 6-1 Gofukusho-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture Recommended points: Shofukuji Temple is the largest temple in the Hakata Old Town area. It is also home to many smaller temples, so it is recommended as the last stop on your temple tour! The temple hall, the garden pond, and the large Jizo stone monument. The temple grounds are very worth seeing, with meaningful stone paving and sleek Buddha statues, and you will want to take your time to worship. If you go to Hakata, this is a temple you should definitely stop by! #FukuokaTourism #Temples & Shrines #TempleTour #HakataOldTown

#FukuokaSakura In the spring in Fukuoka, the temples are dotted with cherry blossoms, making it look like a paradise. Here are some temples worth visiting for cherry blossom viewing: • Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine: Famous as the god of learning, there are about 200 cherry trees in full bloom on both sides of the shrine approach, forming a poetic picture with the solemn shrine building. It is a great choice for taking photos and checking in. Get off at Dazaifu Station on the Nishitetsu Line and walk for 5 minutes. • Komyoji Temple: A Zen temple built in the middle Kamakura period, it has the "Buddha Light Stone Garden" and the "One Drop of Sea Garden", and the gardens are unique and interesting. Although the information does not detail the cherry blossoms, the atmosphere of the Zen temple must be very beautiful when paired with the cherry blossoms. • Shofuku-ji Temple: Located in Fukuoka City, within walking distance from Hakata Station. When you enjoy cherry blossoms here, you can feel the fusion of traditional Japanese architecture and cherry blossoms. The best time to view cherry blossoms is from late March to early April. It is recommended to check the flowering period in advance. You can take the subway for transportation, which is convenient and fast.

#FukuokaItinerary Among the many temples in Fukuoka, Shofuku-ji Temple is like an ancient jade covered by time, quietly exuding a calm temperament. This is one of the oldest Zen temples in Japan. It does not have the crowds of people like Tochoji Temple, but it has the power to bring instant peace to the soul. 🏯【The historical heritage of the thousand-year-old temple】 As the main temple of the Rinzai sect's "Anguozan", Shofuku-ji was founded by Zen Master Eisai in 1195. This legendary monk not only introduced Rinzai Zen to Japan, but also brought back tea seeds from China for the first time. He is known as the "Father of Japanese Tea Ceremony". The existing "Buddha Hall" and "Bell Tower" in the area were rebuilt in the Edo period, but they have completely retained the architectural charm of the Tang and Song dynasties: hip-and-gable roofs, brackets and flying eaves, and wooden lattice doors, exuding a solemn and simple beauty everywhere. 🌳【A shrine experience that makes time stand still】 ▪️ Meditation in the main hall: Take off your shoes and enter the main hall, kneel on the tatami, look at the moss and pine trees in the courtyard through the lattice window, listen to the host chanting scriptures, and your worries will seem to dissipate with the smoke of incense; ▪️ Tea Ceremony Experience: Book a "Matcha Zen Meditation Session" in advance, follow the monks to learn the tea-making ritual, and comprehend the Zen meaning of "once in a lifetime" in the delicate foam of whipped matcha; ▪️ Strolling in the Tang-style courtyard: The "dry landscape" garden in the backyard uses white sand to represent rivers and seas, and the stone group symbolizes Penglai. Walking around on the gravel path, you can hear the echo of time with every step. 📸【Hidden photo spot】 ▫️ The "Tang Gate" on the side of the bell tower: the vermilion door frame and the green bamboo complement each other, making it a great place to take ancient style photos; ▫️ At the steps of the Buddhist temple: a low-angle upward shot of the eaves and the blue sky, the composition is full of oriental aesthetic tension; ▫️ The century-old ginkgo tree in the temple: When the golden leaves cover the ground in autumn, sit on the stone steps and take photos of the tranquil atmosphere. 🚃【Transportation and Etiquette】 • Address: 6-1 Kamikawabata-cho, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City • Transportation: 10 minutes walk from Nakasu-Kawabata subway station or 8 minutes by bike from Hakata station • Admission: Free (reservations required for special events) • Etiquette: Please keep quiet when worshipping. Photography is prohibited in the main hall. Please avoid areas where monks are active when taking photos. ✨【Travel experience】 The unpopularity of Shengfu Temple is precisely what makes it so rare - there is no commercial noise, only sincere faith and quiet space. Whether you believe in Buddhism or not, you can feel the power of "emptiness" when you walk into here: clear your mind of distracting thoughts and impetuousness, and let your mind gain deep relaxation in the legacy of the Tang and Song dynasties. If you are also looking for a "spiritual station" during your journey, Shengfuji Temple may be able to give you something more precious than the scenery. #FukuokaTravel #JapaneseAncientArchitecture #TempleMeditation #TeaCulture #KyushuHistoryTour

#FukuokaItinerary The Hakata Temple and Shrine Pilgrimage Route is a journey that takes you deep into the history and beliefs of Fukuoka. Let’s start with Kushida Shrine, which is the main shrine of Hakata and is famous for its gorgeous Yamakasa Festival. Next, head to Tochoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Hakata. The huge wooden Buddha statue attracts countless visitors. Finally, we arrived at Shengfu Temple, a Zen temple that makes people feel peaceful in its quiet atmosphere. Watching the believers praying devoutly or the tourists admiring the historical buildings, one can't help but feel that this journey is not only sightseeing, but also a deep experience of history and faith. The Hakata Temple and Shrine Pilgrimage Route is a journey that allows you to feel the depth of history and faith. 🚉 Transportation: - Kushida Shrine: 5 minutes walk from Nakasu-Kawabata Subway Station - Tochoji Temple: 3 minutes walk from Gion Subway Station - Shofuku-ji Temple: 10 minutes walk from Gofukumachi Subway Station #Hakata Temples and Shrines Tour #Kushida Shrine #Tochoji Temple #Shofukuji Temple #History and Faith

Shofuku-ji Temple is like a secluded paradise, and the quiet Japanese Zen temple makes me feel like I have returned to the hometown of my soul. Walking into this tranquil area, the dry landscape in front of me is like a still painting, and the white sand purifies my thoughts, like a mirror of the soul. The carefully laid stones and gentle water flow seem to whisper the wisdom of nature. Every detail is full of philosophical meaning, allowing me to find inner peace here. As the breeze blows and the shadows of the trees sway, the worries in my heart gradually dissipate in this tranquility. #Fukuoka Attractions

#Fukuoka Attractions Ankokusan Shofukuji is the first Zen temple in Japan. In 1195, Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura shogunate, granted the land to Zen Master Eisai as its founder. The name of the mountain is Anguo Mountain and the name of the temple is Shengfu Zhiren Zen Temple. After 1204, Emperor Toba bestowed a plaque with the words "Fuso First Zen Cave", which means the first Zen temple in Japan. Zen Master Rongxi brought tea seeds from the Southern Song Dynasty and taught cultivation methods and tea ceremony practices, making a huge contribution to the culture of tea. The temple has a long history, as you can feel from the lush green trees. Visiting here in the season of fresh green will refresh your eyes and your mood.

#JanuaryTravelSupportEvent #FukuokaTravel #Shofukuji If you need some free time in the busy city of Fukuoka, I would like to introduce you to ‘Shofukuji’. This is the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Japan, and it is a place where you can relax in a quiet atmosphere. There is a pond in the temple, so it is good to enjoy leisure while looking at the water. Best of all, there are really no people, so you can enjoy the space in a quiet and calm manner. 📍Location: 6-1 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037 Japan

Fukuoka Shofukuji Temple, one of the most historically significant temples in Fukuoka, combines tranquility and solemnity to create its unique charm. Established in the 7th century, this temple boasts a long cultural heritage and a profound Buddhist foundation. Walking through the courtyard of Shofukuji, the ancient wooden structures and the rich aroma of incense seem to transport visitors back in time. The temple's treasure hall houses numerous historical artifacts, each bearing witness to the temple's long history. Whether you come here to pray or simply seek peace of mind, Shofukuji always offers a sense of serenity and harmony, making it a spiritual oasis in Fukuoka.

Shofukuji Temple is located in Fukuoka City, in the western part of Fukuoka Prefecture, and is said to be the oldest Zen temple in Japan. The temple houses important cultural properties designated by the state, such as the statue of the Sixth Patriarch Daikan Zenji, and features a typical Zen temple layout, designated as a national historic site. The initial grounds of Shofukuji Temple were granted by Minamoto no Yoritomo of the Kamakura Shogunate, covering an area of 8 chō (approximately 900 square meters). It is said that at that time, statues of Shakyamuni, Maitreya, and Amitabha were enshrined here. There were many branch temples at the time, totaling 38 (now 6). It is said that some areas formed a temple town, which still exists in various parts of Hakata. Unsen Pond (Hōjō Pond): Built between the Kinsaimon Gate and the Sanmon Gate in the layout of a Zen temple. Due to its gourd-like shape, it is also called 'Gourd Pond,' with its formal name being 'Kimori Pond.'

#Fukuoka Attractions Shofukuji Temple is located in a quiet environment. Whenever autumn comes, the maple leaves here are in full bloom, and the whole temple seems to be surrounded by a golden and red ocean, attracting many tourists to come and enjoy the scenery. 🍁 Shofukuji Temple has elegant Japanese architecture and exquisite gardens. The temple design incorporates natural elements. The paths, stone lanterns and ponds complement each other, giving people a sense of harmony and tranquility. 🏯 Walking in the temple garden in autumn, the red leaves around and the ancient buildings complement each other, forming a moving picture. This is a very suitable time to take photos and make every moment full of poetry. 📸 The quiet atmosphere of Shengfu Temple is very suitable for meditation. You can sit on the bench in the garden, feel the autumn breeze and enjoy the tranquility of your mind. 🧘♀️ 📸📸📸 ### Travel Tips Check the autumn leaf forecast in advance to enjoy the best time to enjoy the leaves! 🗓️

Japan's autumn foliage season starts late. At the earliest, it begins around the end of November? Even in early December, you can still see leaves clinging to the trees. These photos were taken in the second week of December in Fukuoka. When you enter Shofukuji in Fukuoka, you'll be greeted by an antique atmosphere and a stone-paved path under numerous trees. It's nice to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the moment.

#Fukuoka Attractions There are many different ancient temples in Hakata Old Market. You can feel the historical atmosphere of hundreds of years ago while shopping. One of them is Seifukuji Temple ❤️🌷 Very vast and tranquil temple, through the historic small door you can see the plant-filled courtyard, is the architectural style of Japanese courtyard, also have the handwriting left a hundred years ago, strong and powerful📸⛱ Despite the bad weather, many tourists visited. The ancient Mahavira Hall has a golden Buddha statue, which is very well preserved and has historical value worth visiting📸✌️

#2024wish Amidst the tranquil streets of Gokushomachi in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, Shofukuji 聖福寺 stood as a haven of serenity. The centuries-old temple, surrounded by lush greenery and traditional architecture, offered a glimpse into Japan's rich cultural tapestry. My visit there was a symphony of incense, echoing prayers, and the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze. As I wandered through the meticulously maintained gardens and admired the intricate details of the temple's structures, a sense of calm enveloped me. The spiritual aura was palpable, and each step felt like a journey through time. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to relive the enchantment of Shofukuji and bask in the timeless beauty that left an indelible mark on my soul.

#Heart-pounding summer vacation ✨️Shofukuji 聖福寺✨️ is a Zen Buddhist temple with a pond garden, built in 1195 and the oldest in Japan. Shofukuji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan. The Jizo-do Hall, built in the early 15th century, is a designated National Treasure of Japan. It is considered the oldest intact building in Tokyo and has Kamakura-period architectural features. 🎯6-1 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037 Japan #Shofukuji #聖福寺 #FukuokaTravel #Fukuoka