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Tochoji Temple (Fukuoka)

*Photo provider: Fukuoka City

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Tochoji Temple (Fukuoka)

Known for the giant "Fukuoka Daibutsu (Fukuoka Great Buddha)”, this is the oldest temple in Japan founded by Kukai.

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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

  • The first temple in Japan founded by Kukai.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Photos

  • Five-story pagoda containing the bones of Lord Buddha, said to have been brought back from Tang Dynasty China by Kukai *Photo provider: Fukuoka City

    Five-story pagoda containing the bones of Lord Buddha, said to have been brought back from Tang Dynasty China by Kukai *Photo provider: Fukuoka City

  • Fukuoka Daibutsu (Fukuoka Great Buddha) is astonishing in its size *Photo provider: Fukuoka City

    Fukuoka Daibutsu (Fukuoka Great Buddha) is astonishing in its size *Photo provider: Fukuoka City

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 楊雅雯
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    On this trip to Fukuoka, I made a special stop at Tochoji Temple! The temple is best known for the Fukuoka Daibutsu. I originally thought I would just see the Great Buddha and take some photos, but I didn’t expect there to be a passage inside where you can experience the path through hell, which I found quite unique.

    Tochoji is an ancient temple founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. The wooden Fukuoka Daibutsu inside is truly magnificent. The atmosphere while worshipping was very solemn and reverent, and the scent of wood filled the air, naturally making me feel calm.

    Unfortunately, photography isn’t allowed in the area where the Buddha is enshrined, so you can only appreciate it with your own eyes and slowly take in the atmosphere. People who are familiar with Buddhism or enjoy temple culture will probably find it even more meaningful.

    There is also a path through hell beneath the Great Buddha that visitors can explore. It has paintings depicting hell, and the most distinctive part is that you have to walk through a very dark passage before seeing the light ahead. The whole experience was interesting and was what left the strongest impression on me here.

    If you’ve already visited most of the other attractions in central Fukuoka, you can stop by here as well. About 30–50 minutes should be enough for a visit.

  • 王小鈞
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    When visiting Hakata, besides shopping and enjoying the food, I also highly recommend visiting these two historic temples and shrines.
    The most impressive feature of Tochoji Temple is the Fukuoka Daibutsu. Admission to the Great Buddha Hall is JPY 100. The 10.8-meter-tall wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is solemn and magnificent, and looking up at it from close range is truly awe-inspiring. Photography is not allowed inside the hall, so you can only admire it quietly, which makes the peaceful atmosphere even more noticeable.
    Behind the Great Buddha Hall is a special “Hell and Paradise Pilgrimage.” You go from a bright area into a dark passageway, with scenes of hell depicted on the walls. Walking the entire route feels very immersive.
    After visiting Tochoji Temple, walk to Kushida Shrine in Hakata Gion to experience the history of Hakata’s guardian shrine and its traditional festival culture. The two attractions are not far apart, making them perfect for a leisurely visit on the same day while taking in Hakata’s historic charm.

  • 秦晴
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    Tochoji Temple has a special 'hell passage' built under the pedestal that you can visit for free. It's pretty unique!

Details

Name in Japanese
東長寺
Postal Code
812-0037
Address
2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Telephone
092-291-4459
Closed
Open every day
Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm
Directions
A short walk from Gion Subway Station
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa