Tochoji is one of the oldest temples in Fukuoka, said to have been founded around the year 806 by the monk Kukai, later known as Kobo-Daishi, after he returned from his training in Tang China. The temple is in Hakata's old temple quarter, a one-minute walk from Gion Station, and it is easy to combine with the shrines and markets nearby. The star is the Fukuoka Daibutsu, a wooden seated statue of the historical Buddha that stands about sixteen metres tall and is described as the largest seated wooden Buddha in Japan. The temple also holds a Heian-period Thousand-armed Kannon carved from a single piece of cedar, which is designated a national important cultural property, and the tombs of two lords of the old Chikuzen domain. The temple grounds are open daily during daytime hours and feel peaceful in the middle of the city.
The Great Buddha Hall is the heart of a visit, and the statue deserves a slow look. The size is the first surprise, but the carved detail in the hands and the face rewards a closer view. Photography rules vary inside temple halls, so look for signs and ask staff if you are unsure. Keep your voice low, because worshippers visit the hall throughout the day. The temple also hosts the Setsubun festival, which has been held since the Muromachi period and draws crowds in early February.
Practical details are simple. The temple is open from about nine in the morning until five in the afternoon, and the Great Buddha Hall closes slightly earlier, at around a quarter to five, so arrive with time to spare. There are many steps, so the site is not easy for wheelchair users, though guide dogs are allowed. A small car park exists but is not needed, because the subway station is a minute away. Offerings and charms can be bought at the temple office, and a modest donation is welcome in the offering box.
Pair it with the nearby sights for a walkable half day. Kushida Shrine and Canal City are within a short stroll, and the old temple streets around Tochoji are pleasant to wander. This is also a convenient place to pause between lunch in Hakata and an evening at the river stalls. If you enjoy temple visits, remember that rain makes the grounds feel even calmer, and the hall is a good shelter for a few quiet minutes. Allow about forty-five minutes to an hour.
What to expect
The experience
A quiet temple visit centred on the Great Buddha Hall, with a large wooden statue, a storehouse of treasures and the temple grounds.
Best time
Morning or early afternoon, leaving time before the hall closes in the late afternoon, and early February for the Setsubun festival.
How long
About forty-five minutes to an hour.
Tips
Arrive before the hall closes, expect steps, keep voices low and ask before taking photographs inside.
Quick picks
- Best for
- History and temple lovers, and anyone who wants a calm break from the shopping streets.
- Families
- Short and easy to enjoy, though many steps make strollers harder, and the big Buddha impresses most children.
- Couples
- A peaceful, atmospheric stop before dinner in Nakasu.
- Pair with
- Kushida Shrine, Canal City Hakata and the river walk to Nakasu.
- Time needed
- Allow about an hour.
Good questions
What is Tochoji famous for?+
It is known for the Fukuoka Daibutsu, a wooden seated Buddha about sixteen metres tall that is described as the largest of its kind in Japan. It is also said to be one of the oldest temples in the city.
When was it founded?+
Tradition says the monk Kukai founded it around the year 806 after returning from China. It is a Shingon Buddhist temple.
What are the opening hours?+
The temple is open from about nine in the morning to five in the afternoon, with the Great Buddha Hall closing a little earlier. Arrive with time to spare.
Is it accessible?+
There are many steps, which makes the site difficult for wheelchair users. Guide dogs are allowed.
How do I get there?+
It is about a one-minute walk from Gion Station on the Airport Line of the Fukuoka subway. Hakata Station is a short ride or about a fifteen-minute walk away.
