Tochoji Temple was a very fascinating temple inside the heart of Fukuoka. We had unexpectedly stumbled across this hidden temple, and we were glad to cross paths with this temple.
Tochoji temple house a very large wooden statue of the Buddha (No photography allowed) and a few very antique and beautiful architecture. A highlight is a 5 story red pagoda which stood out from the surrounding skyscrapers and office buildings. The grounds are walkable and it is away from the hustle and bustle of Hakata.
The entrance fee for the wooden Buddha is 100 yen, and it includes a little art gallery and a hole you can walk through below the statue. The hole has a few artworks and can be very dark, and flashlight is prohibited. No photography is allowed in the paid area.
Nearby there is a little souvenir shop and a soft serve shop that sells delicious milk and matcha soft serve worth the money.
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.
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)
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.
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.
