[2024 Fukuoka Attraction] Travel Guide for Tochoji Temple (Updated Nov)

Hidden Temple Complex in the Bustling City

A short walk from Fukuoka's famous spots (Hakata Station, Canal City) lies an ancient temple, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful temple complexes in Fukuoka. In autumn, the golden to red leaves create a harmonious contrast with the temple. Equally striking is the diverse architecture, especially the multi-tiered pagoda. The massive main hall is also quite spectacular, housing a gigantic wooden Buddha statue, which is truly amazing. The huge commemorative stones on the sides/back are also impressive, covered with plants, giving them a surreal feeling in the city center. As you might expect, there is a scent of incense. The shrubs and trees around the grounds are well-trimmed. Be sure to pull the rope to pray to the gods. It's definitely worth a stop, and it's very convenient to access within the city, just 100m from Exit 1 of the Gion K10 subway station on the Airport Line. Note that photography is not allowed indoors, only outside.

Fukuoka Flash Trip for 48 Hours

Mainly featuring a weekend flash trip to Fukuoka, if you want to visit the surrounding cities, you can buy JR tickets according to the map in the first chapter to plan your entire Kyushu trip 🛜Day1 City Walk 🏷️Hakata Historical Route (didn't take many photos due to cloudy weather) 🏷️Airport bus to Hakata Station (20min) - 2:00pm: Hakata Station shin shin ramen (no queue after 2pm) 🏷️Hotel check in 3:30pm-6:30pm 🏷️Hakata Sennenmon - Shojoin Temple - Tochoji Temple - Wakamiya Hachimangu - Kushida Shrine - Tenjin - Nakasu 🏷️7:00pm Dinner: Tori Doan Haruyoshi 👍Most recommended: Do not miss the 10-meter tall wooden Great Buddha on the second floor of Tochoji Temple, you can also walk inside the Buddha to visit, and the ticket is only 2.5 yuan 🛜Day2 Artistic District Route 🏷️8:30am Breakfast: Fuglen Coffee + Butter Toast The world's number one coffee shop, I was deterred by the long queue at the Tokyo store before, but this time I finally got to drink it in Fukuoka 🏷️9:30am Ohori Park - Fukuoka Art Museum - Japanese Garden (artificial sea of clouds is released every half hour) 🏷️Fukuoka Art Museum is worth a visit, mainly featuring contemporary works, with originals by Joan Miro, Dali, Yayoi Kusama, and also works by young artists 🏷️11:30am Ohori Park locals' lunch 🏷️1:00pm Maizuru Park - Fukuoka Castle Historical Site - Tenjin - Yakushi 🌟Highlights: Recommend 3 specialty stores in the alleys 🏷️B.B.B Poters 🏷️None too soon 🏷️Maribron 🏷️7:00 Dinner: Yakiniku 🚉Travel Tips: If you have one day, it is recommended to visit Itoshima and stroll around, the white torii gate at Sakurai Shrine's Futamigaura is super photogenic, and the leisurely pace of life will make you fall in love with this city even more!

Exploring Fukuoka: A Journey

I had an amazing time discovering the beauty and charm of Fukuoka. Here are some highlights from my trip: • Ohori Park: A serene escape with stunning lake views and picturesque bridges. • Tochoji Temple: Marveling at the intricate architecture of this historic pagoda was truly awe-inspiring. • LaLaport Fukuoka: Where the futuristic Gundam statue stands tall, blending pop culture with modern shopping. • Nanzoin Temple: The majestic reclining Buddha left me speechless. • Fukuoka Tower: The city’s beacon, offering breathtaking panoramic views, especially at night. • Cityscape: The vibrant urban landscape perfectly showcases Fukuoka’s dynamic spirit. #Fukuoka #TravelJapan #TripMoments #ExploreFukuoka #TravelDiaries

Nice small temple, very serene. There is a beautiful red pagoda on the grounds. Make sure you go upstairs next to the temple and see the large sitting wooden Buddha. Cost is 50 yen. Make a wish, then go behind him to “hell” as seen in the paintings before going in the dark tunnel. #GiveThanks

Tochoji Temple, Japan's Oldest Esoteric Buddhist Temple

Tochoji Temple is located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City. It was founded by Kobo Daishi and is officially named 'Tocho Mitsuji,' meaning 'Esoteric Buddhism will last long in the East.' Noteworthy is the wooden statue of the Great Buddha of Fukuoka, which stands at 10.8 meters tall, symbolizing the 108 human desires. It is the largest wooden seated Buddha statue in Japan. Astonishingly, there are also 5,000 small Buddha statues enshrined behind it. The temple houses a Heian period Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva carved from a single tree, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Stroll around Tochoji Temple and admire the 5-story red pagoda.

The highlight of Tochoji Temple is the 5-story red pagoda, located in the old town area of Fukuoka. On the first day of our trip, we walked from one point to another to slowly soak in the atmosphere. However, if you prefer not to walk, it's recommended to take the train to Hakata Station. Inside Tochoji Temple, there is the largest wooden carved Buddha statue in Japan. Unfortunately, photography is not allowed, but it is truly beautiful in person. It takes about 10 minutes to walk around and fully appreciate the details comfortably.

Tochoji Temple in Fukuoka

Tochoji Temple, also known as Nangakuzan, is conveniently located in Fukuoka City. It is easily accessible via the Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line, with a short 3-minute walk from Gion Station. Situated right next to a main road, the temple grounds feature ancient buildings and beautiful trees. Particularly during the season when leaves change color, the contrast of the temple structures against the colorful foliage is stunning.

Tochoji Temple

#fukuokatrip Tochoji Temple, in Hakata, Fukuoka, is probably the first Shingon Sect Buddhist temple or the first Buddhist temple in Fukuoka or in Japan, after Kobo Daishi Kukai or Master Monk Kukai returned from China, in Tang Dynasty, to Japan and landed in Hakata, in 806 AD, and built the Tōchōmiji Temple, which is often called Tochoji Temple- nowadays. The Temple was damaged by wars, fires, and other natural disasters, because it was built mainly in wood. Luckily, with the patronage of the 2nd Prince Tadayuki of the Kuroda family, which was the lord of the Fukuoka Territory, it became the Bodhi Temple of the Kuroda family, its main worship hall and other temple's facilities were funded by the Kuroda Lord. That is probably also the reason why there are burial section, with tomb stones of the Kuroda Family members in a rear corner section of the Temple. The Temple is famous for its giant wooden Avalokitesvara Buddha statue, which is taller than 10.8 meters and is seated in the Side Hall which does cost a symbolic admission fee for entrance. While the main worship hall has a few statues, it seems that main worship hall is primarily used for worship and other religious or ceremonial services, including praying, funeral, and other occasions. Inside the side hall, there is also a special pass way which is structured and composed of various paintings for showing life and events in the Hell and how believers can strive to work through the Hell tunnel to the Eternal world by doing good deeds, a reflection of Karma or something about rebirth. The Temple is in short walking distance from West Side of Hakata Station. Except the Side Hall for viewing Wooden Avalokitesvara Buddha statue, the Temple is free of charge for entrance.

Tochoji Temple

One of the oldest temples in Japan, it is certainly worth the visit and the 100 yen or so that you will spend. The temple grounds are compact but I spent over an hour just admiring the vegetation, checking out the gravestones and pagoda and thinking of the work put into building them, and listening to the bulbuls and crows. Make sure you don't miss the giant wooden Buddha! I was in awe at how immense it was, not what I was expecting. There's an interesting gallery comprised of 10 or so hellscapes, and a dark passageway under the Buddha. Intriguing experience for only 50 yen! I wish there was something in English explaining where the hellscapes were (there seemed to be some kind of audio in Japanese). A short film detailing the process of erecting the Buddha would have also been a nice supplement. #fukuokatrip

Tochoji Tranquility: A Spiritual Sojourn

#2024wish During my unforgettable trip to Tochoji Temple in Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, I marveled at the rich history that unfolded within its sacred walls. The legend of Kukai founding the temple in 806 resonated as I stood before the thousand-armed Kannon, a national cultural treasure. The hexagonal building, adorned with calligraphy by historical figures, added an air of mystique. The Great Buddha of Fukuoka, a colossal wooden masterpiece, left an indelible impression. As I wandered through the temple grounds, the echoes of Fukuoka's feudal lords' legacy lingered. In 2024, I wish to go there again, to immerse myself once more in the spiritual embrace of Tochoji, where time and tradition converge.

Silent Echoes: Kuroda's Legacy Enshrined

#2024wish Amidst the serene beauty of the Cemetery of the Kuroda Clan in Hakata, Fukuoka, I wandered through the historic resting place of the second, third, and eighth lords of the Fukuoka Domain. The imposing gorinto, three massive granite five-ringed towers, marked the graves of Tadayuki, Mitsuyuki, and Harutaka, devout followers of Shingon Buddhism. The site preserved its original state, resonating with the echoes of history. In front of Tadayuki's gravestone, the poignant graves of five loyal retainers stood, a testament to their unwavering loyalty. As I explored the tranquil grounds, the quietude was a reminder of the solemnity demanded by such hallowed history. In 2024, I wish to go there again, embracing the profound stillness that envelops this sacred site.

Fukuoka… Hang around in a day

Hakata … Old town of Fukuoka, one of the most famous town in South of Japan. Easily access by train or bus around the town. Most popular dish here should be Hakata Ramen which is popularized around the country. But only ramen but other seafood also super fresh as well. Beach and Fukuoka tower , the must go! Getting There - Hakata station Attractions - Fukuoka tower, Tachoji temple, Canal city Food & Restaurants - Hakata ramen #2023travelwish #tripblazers

Tochoji Temple in Hakata, Fukuoka - Japan. Located a short distance from Hakata Station, Tōchō-ji is a temple with a long history but of relatively recent construction.#2023travelwish #mytripvlog