Raizansennyoji Taihioin — Attraction in Itoshima

We have visited many temples in Japan during our many visits and the time we lived in the country. Most of the famous ones are difficult to enjoy due to the many tourists visiting them. It is hard to enjoy the spiritual experience of a buddhist temple if it is packed with people. But this temple is different because of its location, which is hard to reach if you don’t have a car. In addition, the temple is located in a forest with some elevation differences within the temple compound making it breathtakingly beautiful and also very quiet. The staff and the monks are very friendly and accommodating. We even had a chance to enjoy a private prayer session for our small family. The main shrine (photography not allowed) is carved in wood and features incredible detail. The tour inside the main temple is stunning in every regard. In the back of the temple there are 500 small buddha statues. At the ticket office you can buy small bracelets, rings and other things to support the temple. If you have a car and are in the Fukuoka region, this is a very nice visit to include in...

There is plenty of parking available in a parking lot right across the street from the temple entrance for free. There are bathrooms available right at the entrance to the temple site. You have to pay a fee to enter the temple. After paying the fee you can take your shoes off and explore the inside and outside of the temple including a beautiful zen garden and the maple tree and then follow the route to the sacred hall in which you can participate in a guided prayer with Japanese chants and drumming. There are no translations in any other languages but it was still a unique experience. After the prayer you can make your way to the 500 statues. They are all well taken care of just like the rest of the temple site! We received our goshuin stamp at the little office right...

Spiritual, Sacred, Timeless, Serene, Peaceful, Respectful, Zen, Historic, Genuine Japan Heritage.. These are some of the words I would use to describe this special place.

This is a serene and spiritually grounding mountain temple — peaceful, deeply respectful, and beautifully preserved. Raizan Sennyoji Daihioin offers a timeless atmosphere and a rare window into genuine Japan. I was honored to take part in a guided prayer experience with chanting and drumming — a deeply immersive and reverent moment. The sacred stillness of the forest surroundings only adds to the zen quality of this space. A true sanctuary for reflection, intention, and...