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.
