What other travelers are saying about Shofukuji Temple
• The first Zen temple in Japan (founded in 1195).
• Beautiful sanmon gate and serene grounds.
• Less flashy, more contemplative — great if you like architecture and quiet spaces.
About 10-12 minutes walk from
Hakata Station.
I personally found this temple speaks to me the most than any other temple.🙏🏻
The main attractions of Shofukuji Temple include its beautiful Zen gardens, ancient temple buildings, the large wooden sanmon gate, and the tranquil atmosphere conducive to meditation and reflection.
Shofukuji Temple is historically significant as the first Zen temple in Japan, established by the monk Eisai, who introduced the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism to the country. It played a crucial role in the spread of Zen practices and teachings.
Yes, Shofukuji Temple offers opportunities for visitors to participate in Zen meditation sessions (zazen). It’s recommended to check the temple’s schedule or contact them in advance for details.
The best time to visit Shofukuji Temple is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the temple gardens are particularly beautiful with cherry blossoms or fall foliage.
Shofukuji Temple is easily accessible by public transportation. The nearest station is Gion Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Kūkō Line. From there, it’s a short walk to the temple.
This temple is the place of birth of Zen Buddhism in Japan. It was founded in 1195 and is enlightening many previous visit of more famous temples in Kyoto! I would go to Kyushu just for this visit ! Great setting , preempting a lot of what we believe we understand (or not) of zen , wabisabi and the rest…
Visited on October 12, 2025. Free admission. Relatively quiet, with only a few visitors, be it tourists or locals. A section was closed off to visitors. Serves as a quick tourist destination or for a quiet zen moment. Make sure to observe the rope connecting the memorial pillar and the three Buddhas.
