A Millennium of Adventure! From Kukai's Ancient Temple to the Stunning Great Buddha: A Complete Guide to the Must-See Highlights of Tochoji Temple in Fukuoka

Strolling through Fukuoka's Tochoji Temple: Witness the Majesty of Japan's Largest Wooden Seated Buddha After concluding our trip to downtown Fukuoka, we decided to visit Tochoji Temple, just a stone's throw from Gion Station. This Shingon Buddhist temple, founded by Kūkai Kobo Daishi in 806, is not only one of Kyushu's oldest temples but is also renowned for its enshrined Great Buddha of Fukuoka. Upon entering the temple grounds, the first thing that struck us was the ancient and majestic architecture. The main hall (Daixue Hall), with its solemn roof and wide corridors, appears remarkably tranquil against the backdrop of modern skyscrapers. Within the temple grounds, a vibrant vermilion five-story pagoda stands out against the blue sky, creating a beautiful backdrop against the lush greenery. A closer look reveals Rokkakudo Hall, a Fukuoka City Cultural Heritage, housing a revolving Buddhist shrine and imbued with a sense of history. We were drawn to a sign reading "Fukuoka Great Buddha," which announced its opening hours: 9:00 AM to 4:45 PM. This Great Buddha Hall was the highlight of our trip. Entering the Great Buddha Hall, we were immediately struck by a solemn atmosphere. The Great Buddha is enshrined on the second floor. Although photography is prohibited, the awe-inspiring sight of this largest wooden statue of the Buddha in Japan, the seated Buddha, is indescribable. Carved from a single block of cypress wood, the statue stands 10.8 meters tall (16.1 meters with backlighting), imposing and majestic. It is said that the 10.8 meters represent the 108 kinds of afflictions in the human world. The wall behind the statue is filled with as many as 5,000 smaller Buddhas, creating a magnificent spectacle. Beneath the Great Buddha's pedestal, there's a unique experience: the "Hell and Paradise Pilgrimage" passage. Walking through the narrow, dimly lit passage, lined with images depicting scenes of hell, it instills a sense of foreboding. Entering a pitch-black path, it is said that if one can touch the "Buddha Wheel" through tactile sensation, they will reach the Pure Land. This experience is not only visually stunning but also a profound reflection on faith and life. In addition to the Great Buddha Hall, we also visited the main hall within the temple. Its tatami mats, wooden ceiling, and structure embody the elegance and tranquility of Japanese temples. A large incense burner in front of the hall emanated wisps of smoke as devotees burned incense and prayed for blessings. In a corner of the temple grounds, we also saw a box filled with "Gomaki" (wooden prayer tablets), where wishes are written and burned during monthly rituals for peace and prosperity, a unique ritual in Japanese Buddhism. Tochoji Temple is not only a historic temple but also a place that cleverly blends history and culture with a modern cityscape. It not only satisfies visitors' curiosity about historical architecture and Buddhist art, but also offers unique spiritual experiences, making it a truly unforgettable journey. If you have the opportunity to visit Fukuoka/Hakata, Tochoji Temple is a cultural treasure worth making the time to visit. Friendly reminder: Photography of the Great Buddha and the Pure Land Hell is prohibited. #Tochoji #FukuokaTochoji