About Tochoji Temple
Tochoji Temple is the head temple of the Kyushu branch of the Shingon sect, located in Gokoshomachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture. It is said to be the first temple founded in Japan by Kobo Daishi (Kukai) after his return from Tang China in 806 AD, boasting a history of over 1200 years.
The temple’s name, “Tochoji,” means “the longest temple of the eastern country (Japan),” and it was established as a base for spreading Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. During the Edo period, it became the family temple of the Kuroda family, the lords of the Fukuoka domain, and houses the tombs of the 2nd lord, Kuroda Tadayuki, and the 8th lord, Kuroda Harutaka.
Main Highlights
Fukuoka Great Buddha (Seated Shakyamuni Buddha Statue)
The greatest highlight of Tochoji Temple is the “Fukuoka Great Buddha,” completed in 1988, one of the largest wooden seated Buddha statues in Japan.
- Height: 10.8 meters (16.1 meters including the base)
- Weight: Approximately 30 tons
- Material: Cypress wood, joined-wood construction
- Features: The halo has a diameter of 12 meters and is decorated with 7,000 crystals.
Inside the base of the Great Buddha is a dark corridor called the “Journey Through Hell and Paradise,” where visitors can experience a Buddhist worldview. It is believed that by proceeding through the approximately 20-meter-long, pitch-black passageway, relying on the handrail, and touching the “Buddha’s Wheel” along the way, one will be guided to the Pure Land.
Standing Statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva (Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property)
This wooden statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, created in the late Heian period (12th century), is designated as a National Important Cultural Property. Despite its small size of approximately 87 centimeters in height, it is known for its delicate carving techniques and excellent state of preservation, making it a valuable legacy of Heian Buddhist art.
Hexagonal Hall
This beautiful hexagonal hall, painted in vermilion, houses a statue of Kobo Daishi. It was built in 1701 (Genroku 14) to commemorate Kuroda Tadayuki, the second lord of the Fukuoka domain.
Five-Storied Pagoda
Completed in 2011 (Heisei 23), this five-storied pagoda is made entirely of cypress wood and stands 26 meters tall. Its vermilion color stands out against the Hakata cityscape, making it a symbolic landmark of Tochoji Temple.
Points to Note When Visiting
Flow of Visiting
- Main Gate: Enter the temple grounds through the magnificent main gate guarded by Nio statues.
- Main Hall: Offer prayers and bows at the Great Buddha Hall housing the Fukuoka Great Buddha.
- Journey Through Hell and Paradise: Experience the darkness inside the Great Buddha’s pedestal (fee applies).
- Hexagonal Hall: Pay respects to the statue of Kobo Daishi.
- Kuroda Family Cemetery: Reflect on history.
Recommended Visiting Times
- Weekday Mornings: Relatively uncrowded, allowing for a peaceful visit.
- 21st of Every Month: A special memorial service is held on the anniversary of Kobo Daishi.
- Cherry Blossom Season (Late March to Early April): The cherry blossoms on the temple grounds are beautiful, and their harmony with the five-story pagoda is magnificent.
Admission Fee and Visiting Hours
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Admission Fee: Entry to the Great Buddha Hall (including the Hell and Paradise tour) is charged (approximately 500 yen for adults).
- Closed Days: None (Open all year round)
Benefits
Tochoji Temple, as a Shingon Esoteric Buddhism temple, is believed to offer a variety of benefits.
Main Benefits
- Business Prosperity and Good Fortune: Due to the worship of Kobo Daishi
- Academic Success: The temple also enshrines Monju Bodhisattva, the Buddha of wisdom
- Healing from Illness and Longevity: Due to the worship of Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha)
- Protection from Evil and Disaster: Through Goma prayer by Fudo Myoo (Acala)
- Ancestral Memorial Service: As a family temple with the Kuroda family cemetery
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
Tochoji Temple offers several types of goshuin. Goshuin featuring the Fukuoka Great Buddha, Kobo Daishi, and Senju Kannon are available, and both pre-printed and handwritten goshuin are offered. Goshuincho (stamp books) are also sold, and designs featuring traditional Hakata crafts are popular.
Access
Access by Train
- Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line “Gion Station”: Approximately 2 minutes on foot from Exit 1 (nearest station)
- Fukuoka City Subway Airport Line “Hakata Station”: Approximately 10 minutes on foot
- Nishitetsu Bus “Gokushomachi” Bus Stop: Approximately 2 minutes on foot
Access from Gion Station is the most convenient, as it is located right outside the exit.
Access by Car
- Fukuoka Urban Expressway “Gofukumachi Ramp”: Approximately 5 minutes
- Fukuoka Urban Expressway “Chiyo Ramp”: Approximately 5 minutes
Parking: Free parking for visitors is available on the temple grounds (approximately 20 spaces). If the parking lot is full, please use nearby coin-operated parking lots.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Kushida Shrine: Approximately 5 minutes on foot, the guardian shrine of Hakata
- Hakata Machiya Furusato-kan: Approximately 7 minutes on foot, where you can learn about the history and culture of Hakata
- Canal City Hakata: Approximately 10 minutes on foot, a large commercial complex
- Jotenji Temple: Approximately 3 minutes on foot, the temple where Hakata-ori textiles, udon noodles, and soba noodles originated
Basic Information
- Official Name: Nangakuzan Tochoji Temple
- Sect: Head temple of the Kyushu branch of the Shingon sect
- Principal Image: Kobo Daishi (Kukai)
- Founded: 806 AD
- Founder: Kobo Daishi (Kukai)
- Pilgrimage Site: First of the Kyushu Eighty-Eight Temples, Twenty-Third of the Kyushu Thirty-Six Fudo Temples
- Cultural Properties: Standing Statue of Senju Kannon Bodhisattva (National Important Cultural Property), Kuroda Family Cemetery
- Address: 2-4 Gokoshomachi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 812-0037
- Phone: 092-291-4459
- Official Website: Yes (Please contact the temple for details)
Summary
Tochoji Temple is a representative temple of Fukuoka, boasting a history associated with Kobo Daishi, one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in Japan, national treasure-class Buddhist statues, and a prime location in the heart of Hakata. The experience of touring hell and paradise is a unique and valuable experience, beloved by both tourists and local worshippers. It is a famous temple that you should definitely visit when sightseeing in Hakata.
