Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple

Tochoji Temple

4.4 (4046)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 17, 2026

Tochoji Temple, located in the bustling Hakata district of Fukuoka, is a hidden gem brimming with history and spiritual beauty. Founded in 806 AD by the revered Buddhist monk Kobo Daishi, it is one of the oldest temples in Japan and a must-visit for anyone exploring Fukuoka.

Tochoji temple is renowned for housing Japan’s largest seated wooden Buddha statue. Standing at an impressive 10.8 meters tall, this majestic statue exudes tranquility and awe. The intricately carved details and serene expression of the Buddha are mesmerizing, offering a sense of peace to all who visit.

Tochoji Temple's grounds are equally captivating, featuring lush gardens and traditional architecture that transport visitors to another era. The five-story pagoda, a striking red structure, adds to the temple's charm and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

A unique feature of Tochoji Temple is the underground passage that represents the path to enlightenment. Visitors can walk through this pitch-dark tunnel, emerging into light, symbolizing spiritual rebirth and understanding.

Hours:

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last entry until 4:45 PM)

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

Free

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Phone

+81 92-291-4459

Website

www.tochoji.net

Overview

Address

2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan

Places & attractions near Tochoji Temple

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with a curved roof, wooden beams, hanging lanterns, and sacred ropes, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Kushida Shrine

A traditional Japanese pavilion with a green roof sits over a calm blue lake, connected by a bright red wooden walkway. Trees and city buildings are visible in the background under a clear sky.

Ohori Park

A traditional Japanese castle building with white walls and a tiled roof stands behind a stone wall, surrounded by lush green trees and reflected in a calm, lily-covered pond under a partly cloudy sky.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Yatai Stalls

Yatai Stalls

Places & attractions near Tochoji Temple

A traditional Japanese Shinto shrine with a curved roof, wooden beams, hanging lanterns, and sacred ropes, surrounded by trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Kushida Shrine

A traditional Japanese pavilion with a green roof sits over a calm blue lake, connected by a bright red wooden walkway. Trees and city buildings are visible in the background under a clear sky.

Ohori Park

A traditional Japanese castle building with white walls and a tiled roof stands behind a stone wall, surrounded by lush green trees and reflected in a calm, lily-covered pond under a partly cloudy sky.

Fukuoka Castle Ruins

Yatai Stalls

Yatai Stalls

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

Tochoji Temple was a peaceful stop right in the middle of Hakata, which made the visit feel extra memorable. The large wooden Buddha was the main highlight for me, and it really is impressive to see in person. I liked how calm the whole place felt compared with the surrounding city, and it was an easy spot to slow down for a while.

Jun 11, 2026

Very beautiful temple, small grounds. There were some cute cats running around the main pagoda. The giant Buddha is awe-inspiring! No photos are allowed in the great Buddha hall though. If you go to see it, make sure to check out the room behind the giant figure, there are some amazing paintings and a very trippy "dark room" that you walk through.

After visiting many different temples and seeing lots of places throughout Japan, this was a favorite. Close by Hakata station is a temple in the midst of the city. This giant wooden Buddha is something to awe at when you arrive. It is located upstairs and very interesting to learn about. There is an exhibit of beautiful artwork as you stroll around the Buddha in a nice quiet hall and then you enter the hallway of darkness. This was something I read in another review but really shocked me and gave me a moment of fear in complete darkness and an uneasy feeling that really gave me an experience that made me stop for a moment and really embrace the experience. For that reason, I really enjoyed this experience. It closes at 4:45, I arrived around 4:15. I only stayed maybe 15-20 minutes for the full experience and to take some pictures of the buildings outside. No photos allowed of the giant wooden Buddha. Cost is 100 yen and donations. (Basket by each statue)

I visited this shrine on my very first day there, just about half an hour before closing. As soon as I walked in, I felt a deep sense of calm. I went up to pay respect to the large wooden Buddha statue at the top, then took some photos at the central pavilion and the pagoda. I loved the flowers and trees surrounding the area—they were beautifully maintained, vibrant in color, and neatly arranged, showing how much care the caretakers put into the place.

Tōchō-ji (東長寺) is a Shingon temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Nangakuzan (南岳山). This head temple of Shingon Buddhism Kyushu sect is given the special name Nangakuzan. It is dedicated to a famous 5 stories pagoda. Big great Buddha in level 1. No photo allowed. Short walk from Hakata city and next to old town!