Shōfuku-ji
聖福寺
Japan's earliest Zen temple, founded in 1195 by the monk Eisai. Its spacious grounds and ancient shade trees make it the heart of old Hakata.
Shōfuku-ji was founded in 1195 by Zen master Eisai, who had returned from Song China, with the support of Minamoto no Yoritomo. Emperor Go-Toba bestowed a plaque reading 'First Zen Cave of Fusō', and the temple is considered Japan's first Zen temple. Eisai is also credited with bringing tea seeds back to Japan, so this is one of the origins of Japanese tea culture. The main gate, main hall and layout of the grounds preserve the features of the Song-style Zen temple garan, but the interior of the buildings is generally closed to the public, so visitors can only view the grounds from outside. Entry to the grounds is free. The surrounding area is the temple district of old Hakata, and it can be explored on foot together with Jōten-ji and Tōchō-ji. Getting there: about 5 minutes' walk from Gion Station on the Airport Line, or about 10 minutes from Hakata Station.
Opening hours
Grounds approx. 08:00–17:00 (building interiors generally closed to visitors)
Nearby sights
- Tōchō-ji
- Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
- Kushida Shrine
- Kawabata Shopping Arcade
- Canal City Hakata
- Nakasu Yatai Stalls
- Sumiyoshi Shrine (Fukuoka)
- Yanagibashi Rengo Market