Tochoji Temple — Attraction in Fukuoka

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...

Tōchō-ji Temple is a serene and culturally rich stop in the heart of Fukuoka—a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and architectural beauty.

The highlight is undoubtedly the giant seated Buddha (Fukuoka Daibutsu)—one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in Japan. It’s breathtaking in scale and craftsmanship, and the quiet reverence inside the hall makes the experience feel especially profound.

The temple grounds are compact but peaceful, with a beautiful five-story pagoda, stone statues, and lovely seasonal plants that add color and texture throughout the year. There’s also a hidden passage beneath the Daibutsu meant to symbolize a journey through the afterlife—short, dark, and symbolic, it adds an unexpected and moving element to the visit.

Tōchō-ji is easy to access from Hakata Station and can be enjoyed in under an hour, making it a great cultural stop whether you’re just passing through or exploring the city in depth.

A must-visit for anyone interested in Fukuoka’s spiritual and...

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...