Tōchō-ji
東長寺
An ancient temple founded by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi). It is home to the 'Fukuoka Great Buddha', Japan's largest wooden seated Buddha, and a hell-and-paradise passage lies beneath it.
Tōchō-ji was founded in 806 by Kūkai (Kōbō Daishi), who had returned from Tang China. It is said to be the first temple Kūkai established in Japan. The five-story pagoda, completed in 2011, and the hexagonal hall are landmarks of Hakata. The Fukuoka Great Buddha in the Great Buddha Hall is about 10.8 metres tall and is Japan's largest wooden seated Buddha. Beneath the statue is a pitch-black passage called the 'Hell and Paradise Procession', through which visitors walk while touching the walls, a passage said to symbolize purification. Worship in the Great Buddha Hall costs about 50 yen, and photography is restricted. Nearby are Shōfuku-ji and Jōten-ji. Getting there: about 1 minute' walk from Exit 1 of Gion Station on the Airport Line.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Shōfuku-ji
- Hakata Machiya Folk Museum
- Kushida Shrine
- Canal City Hakata
- Kawabata Shopping Arcade
- Nakasu Yatai Stalls
- Sumiyoshi Shrine (Fukuoka)
- Yanagibashi Rengo Market