*Photo provider: Fukuoka City
Tochoji Temple, located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, is a Shingon Sect temple said to have been first opened by the famous monk Kukai (Kobo Daishi) upon his return to Japan after completing his training in the Tang Dynasty. The official name of the temple is "Tochomitsuji Temple," which was named by Kukai with the meaning "so that esoteric Buddhism may be transmitted eastward for a long time”.
The center of attention is a wooden statue of the Great Buddha called the "Fukuoka Daibutsu (Fukuoka Great Buddha)”. At 10.8 meters tall, it is one of the largest seated wooden statues in Japan, and is named after the number of human troubles, 108. Behind the statue, there are as many as 5,000 small Buddha statues enshrined. Visitors are also encouraged to experience the "hell and paradise tour" on the pedestal.
In the main hall, there is a “standing wooden statue of Senju Kannon”, designated as a national important cultural property, and a seated statue of Kobo Daishi, said to be Kukai's own work. Other highlights include a 26-meter tall five-story pagoda made of granite, Mino roof tiles, and other high quality materials, and the Rokkakudo (hexagonal hall), designated as a cultural asset by the city.
In addition to being the first of the "88 Sacred Sites of Kyushu", it is also known as the stage for the "Hakata Old Town Light-up Walk" held every fall. The fantastically illuminated main hall, five-story pagoda, and Rokkakudo Hall are well worth a visit.
Highlights
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The first temple in Japan founded by Kukai.
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The "Hell and Paradise Tour" is located in the Great Buddha Hall. If you can touch the wheel of Buddha in the middle of the pitch-dark passageway, you can go to paradise.
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The five-story pagoda, painted in vivid vermilion, was completed in 2011. It was built using a traditional construction method that does not use nails.
