20 Temples in Fukuoka worth your time

A Shingon sect temple on Mount Hiyama known for healing spring water and views of ancient castle ruins.

What it is

• A Shingon Daigakuji sect temple located near the ninth station of Mount Hiyama.
• Founded by an Indian monk named Seiga and dedicated to the deity Yakushi Nyorai.
• Known as a site for healing eye diseases using spring water from a local well.
• A former branch of Sennyo-ji temple that once housed a 12th-century bronze sutra container.

What to see

• The main hall which was relocated to be hidden from the sea.
• A well on the grounds where the Yakuōsui spring water flows.
• Views overlooking Mount Kōso and the ruins of Ono Castle.
• The main deity which is displayed to the public four times every year.

When to go

• Four specific days throughout the year when the deity is shown to the public.

Getting there

• Take the Funakoshi-Nokita bus line to the Inadome bus stop.

Read more about Rurikō-ji Temple

A historic Zen temple in Dazaifu famous for its moss gardens and stone arrangements, currently undergoing major renovations.

What it is

• A Zen temple of the Tofuku-ji school founded by Tetsugyu Enshin in 1273
• Commonly known as Kokedera or Moss Temple due to its lush greenery
• Served as the family temple for officials of the nearby Dazaifu Tenmangu
• The main hall is a designated cultural property of Dazaifu City

What to see

• The front garden featuring fifteen stones arranged in a specific pattern
• A dry landscape garden called Itteki-kaitei located at the rear
• Fukuoka Prefecture designated scenic spots within the temple grounds
• A large Celtis sinensis tree recognized as a city natural monument

When to go

• Public viewing is currently suspended for renovations since 2018

Getting there

• Located a six minute walk from Dazaifu Station

Read more about Kōmyōzen-ji

A 14th-century Tendai sect temple in Fukuoka built by Ashikaga Takauji to honor war victims and national peace.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple established in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji and Tadayoshi
• Built as a site to pray for war victims and national peace
• The current main hall on the grounds was rebuilt in 1918
• Admission to the temple grounds is free for all visitors

What to see

• Rare stone Roku Jizo statues carved in the shape of lanterns
• A sacred statue of the White-robed Kannon housed within the temple
• The grave of the famous sumo wrestler Shiranui Mitsugoro
• The temple grounds situated under the mountain name Zuiunzan

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a bus from Keisen Station
• Located approximately 33 kilometers away from the Fukuoka Interchange
• On-site parking is available for those arriving by car

Read more about Ankoku-ji Temple

A Shingon sect temple built on the historic site of a Nara-period monastery established by Emperor Shomu.

What it is

• A temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect enshrining Yakushi Nyorai.
• The site of a former Nara-period monastery established by imperial decree.
• A nationally designated historic site including the remains of a tile kiln.
• The original monastery grounds once measured approximately 192 meters square.

What to see

• The current main hall which was rebuilt during the 19th century.
• A wooden seated Nyorai statue designated as an Important Cultural Property.
• The historic grounds where the original monastery once stood.
• A replica of a seven-story pagoda located at a nearby museum.

Getting there

• The temple is a 17-minute walk from Tofuro-mae Station.

Read more about Chikuzen Kokubun-niji

This temple, founded by Kukai, uniquely enshrines both Buddhist and Shinto deities, offering year-round natural beauty.

What it is

• Temple established in 806 by Kukai.
• Dedicated to Fudo Myoo and Three Female Deities of Munakata.
• Deities are enshrined as three Buddhas.

What to see

• Main hall and Gomado Hall.
• Five Buddhas in the main hall.
• Statues and stone monuments along a path.
• Statue of Kobo Daishi.
• Plum, cherry, azalea, iris, hydrangea, lotus, spider lily blossoms.
• Autumn leaves of Japanese maples and ginkgo trees.

When to go

• April 28 for Fudo Myoo memorial ceremony.
• January for plum blossoms.
• Spring for cherry blossoms, azaleas, irises.
• Early summer for hydrangeas.
• Summer for lotus blossoms and red spider lilies.
• November to December for autumn leaves.

Address

福岡県宗像市吉田966 Map

Official site

www.chinkokuji.or.jp

Read more about Chinkoku-ji Temple

Senkoji is one of Japan's oldest Zen temples, famous for its thousands of hydrangeas.

What it is

• Soto Zen temple in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• One of Japan's oldest Zen temples.
• Founded by Eisai in the Kamakura period.
• Also founded by Kusano Nagahira in 1192.

What to see

• Thousands of hydrangea plants bloom on the grounds.
• Bronze bell is a Fukuoka Prefecture cultural property.
• Memorial towers for the Kusano family and Tanaka Tadamasa.
• Mausoleum for Imperial Prince Kaneyoshi behind the temple.

When to go

• Known as 'Ajisai-dera' for its hydrangeas.
• About 7,000 hydrangea plants bloom.
• Ajisai Festival is held annually in June.

Address

福岡県久留米市山本町豊田2287 Map

Read more about Senkō-ji Temple

Nyoirin-ji Temple, or Frog Temple, offers unique frog statues and a historic Kannon, worth an hour's visit.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Omuro-ha Buddhist temple.
• Founded in 729 by Gyoki.
• Known as Kaeru-dera (Frog Temple).
• Designated 8th temple of Chikugo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• A standing Nyoirin Kannon statue.
• Statue is a Fukuoka Prefecture cultural property.
• Statue dates to the late Heian period.
• Many frog statues and decorations.

When to go

• Frog Festival is held annually on June 6.

Getting there

• 15-minute walk from Misawa Station.
• 10-minute drive from Chikugo Ogori Interchange.

Address

福岡県小郡市横隈1729 Map

Official site

www.kyushyu24.com

Read more about Nyoirin-ji Temple (Ogori)

Fuko-ji Temple is an ancient Buddhist site, known for its historic statues and a unique, sprawling plum tree.

What it is

• Oldest Buddhist temple in Ōmuta.
• Part of the Tendai school of esoteric Buddhism.
• Founded in 820 by priest Ennin.

What to see

• Main Hall dates to the Edo period.
• Wooden statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing.
• Wooden statue of founder Jikaku Daishi.
• Pagoda, stone Buddhist statues, tutelary shrines, gravestones.
• Enormous, double-flowering pink plum tree, over 350 years old.
• Variety of other plum trees on the grounds.

When to go

• Mid-February to late March for plum blossoms.

Address

福岡県大牟田市今山2538 Map

Read more about Fuko-ji Temple (Omuta)

Ancient Tendai temple in Dazaifu, home to historic ordination hall and one of Japan's oldest bells.

What it is

• Tendai sect temple founded by Emperor Tenji.
• Construction began in the latter half of the 7th century.
• Principal image is Sho Kannon.
• 33rd sacred site of the Kyushu Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Many cultural properties, including Buddhist statues.
• Kaidan-in, established in 761, one of Japan's three great ordination halls.
• Temple's bell, considered one of Japan's oldest.
• Bell's sound selected as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.
• Temple grounds are a National Historic Site.

Address

〒818-0101 福岡県太宰府市観世音寺5丁目6-1 Map

Read more about Kanzeon-ji Temple

Kyushu's oldest Buddhist site, this temple offers history and ancient artifacts.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple, Kyushu's oldest Buddhist site.
• Built by Fujiwara Toramaro, who carved a Yakushi Nyorai statue.
• Temple ruins are a Fukuoka Prefecture designated historic site.

What to see

• A wisteria tree over 700 years old, a natural monument.
• Kannon-dō, Jizō-dō, and Daikoku-dō halls.
• Wooden statues of the Twelve Heavenly Generals.
• A painted scroll of the temple's origin story.

When to go

• The Jizō-e ceremony has continued since 686.

Address

福岡県筑紫野市武蔵621 Map

Read more about Buzō-ji Temple

Zendo-ji Temple is a historic Jodo-shu Buddhist temple with Kyushu's largest wooden hall.

What it is

• A Jodo-shu Buddhist temple.
• Founded in 1191 by Shoko Shonin.
• Originally named Komyo-ji Temple.
• Renamed Zendo-ji in 1217.

What to see

• Main hall, built in 1786, is Kyushu's largest wooden Buddhist hall.
• Great Gate, built in 1651.
• Eight buildings are Important Cultural Properties.
• Two wooden seated statues are Important Cultural Properties.
• Konshi Kinnde Kan Fugenkyo scroll is an Important Cultural Property.
• Tomb of Tachibana Ginchiyo was discovered in 2016.

Address

〒839-0824　福岡県久留米市善導寺町飯田５５０ Map

Official site

www.zendoji.jp

Read more about Zendo-ji Temple

Koshu-ji Temple is a Soto Zen temple with a unique cave Kannon statue and historical connections.

What it is

• Soto Zen Buddhist temple, also called Koshu Zenji.
• Founded in 1693 by Tando Chozen.
• Built after Kuroda Nagamasa found a Kannon statue.
• Its mountain name is Hodasan.

What to see

• Kannon statue carved in the Iwaya, called "Ana Kannon."
• Worship hall built by Kuroda Tadashi.
• Replica of the Forty-seven Ronin graves.
• Located directly below the Iwaya ancient tomb site.

When to go

• Fukuoka Gishi Festival is held annually on December 14th.

Read more about Koshu-ji Temple

A unique Myanmar-style pagoda in Japan, promoting peace and commemorating WWII dead.

What it is

• A World Peace Pagoda, built in 1958.
• Promotes friendship between Japan and Myanmar.
• Commemorates war dead from World War II.
• Only Myanmar-style temple recognized by Myanmar government.

What to see

• A 45-meter tall pagoda.
• Similar to the World Peace Pagoda in Yangon.
• A component cultural property of Japan Heritage.

Getting there

• Located in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Near Mekari Park in Setonaikai National Park.

Official site

www.worldpeace-pagoda.net

Read more about World Peace Pagoda

Mangyō-ji Temple is a historic Jōdo Shinshū temple with important cultural properties.

What it is

• A Jōdo Shinshū Honganji-ha sect temple.
• Founded in 1529 by Shōkū.
• Received its current name in 1536.

What to see

• Main hall and priest's living quarters, rebuilt in 1874.
• Wooden standing statue of Amida Nyorai, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Paper ink painting of plum and doves, a Fukuoka City Cultural Property.

Getting there

• Located on Kokutai Road in Gion-machi.
• Near Kushida Shrine and Canal City Hakata.

Address

812-0038福岡市博多区祇園町4番50号 Map

Read more about Mangyō-ji Temple

Kaidan-in is a historic Rinzai temple, one of Japan's three ordination platforms.

What it is

• Rinzai sect temple in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture.
• Also known as Chikushi Kaidan-in.
• One of the 'Three Kaidan of Japan'.
• Ganjin performed the first ordination here in 753.

What to see

• Main hall's seated Rushana Buddha statue.
• Rushana Buddha is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Bell tower with a bell made in 1701.
• Stone monument at the gate.
• Gorinto pagoda memorial for Ganjin.
• Bodhi tree, said to be brought by Ganjin.

Address

福岡県太宰府市観世音寺5-6-1 Map

Official site

kaidanin.sunnyday.jp

Read more about Kaidan-in Temple

Chonichiji Temple, a historic Rinzai Zen temple, is a pilgrimage site with significant cultural properties.

What it is

• A Rinzai sect Myoshinji school temple.
• Founded in 1245 by Shiko Eison.
• Principal image is Jizo Bosatsu.
• 20th fudasho of the Chikugo 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

What to see

• Kannon-do hall enshrines Fukukensaku Kannon.
• Eleven-faced Kannon and Sho Kannon are flanking deities.
• Wooden seated statue of Shiko Eison is a cultural property.
• Wooden standing statues are Kurume City cultural properties.
• New main hall was built in 2015.

Address

福岡県久留米市大善寺町 Map

Read more about Chōnichi-ji Temple

Explore ancient temple ruins, a historic site established by an emperor's decree.

What it is

• Ruins of Chikugo Province Kokubunji, a monk temple.
• Established by Emperor Shomu's imperial edict.
• Designated a Kurume City historic site.
• Designated on June 1, 1981.

What to see

• Monk temple ruins within Hiyoshi Shrine grounds.
• Estimated 150 meters square monk temple area.
• Remains of a lecture hall, pagoda, and earthen wall.
• One foundation stone of the lecture hall remains.
• Part of the pagoda's foundation was found.

Read more about Chikugo Kokubunji Temple

Fukuoka's Catholic Cathedral, a modern church with historical elements, is a short walk from Tenjin Station.

What it is

• The cathedral of the Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka.
• Also known as the Fukuoka Cathedral Center.
• Became a cathedral in 1927.
• The current church was built in 1986.

What to see

• The current church is made of reinforced concrete.
• The main altar is from the old church.
• A 40-meter-high bell tower stands on the southeast side.

Getting there

• Located on Meiji-dori.
• A 5-minute walk from Tenjin Station.

Address

810-0041福岡市中央区大名二丁目7番7号 Map

Official site

www.daimyomachi-c.or.jp

Read more about Our Lady of Victory Cathedral, Fukuoka

Tōchō-ji is a historic Shingon temple in Fukuoka with a giant Buddha and pagoda.

What it is

• A Shingon sect temple in Fukuoka, Japan.
• Founded by Kūkai in 806.
• A base temple for the Shingon sect in Kyushu.

What to see

• Fukuoka Daibutsu, a 10.8-meter tall wooden seated Buddha.
• A 25.9-meter tall, five-story cypress pagoda.
• Burial site for three Fukuoka domain lords.
• Wooden standing statue of Senju Kannon.
• The Rokkakudō, a hexagonal hall.

When to go

• Setsubun festival on February 3rd.

Address

812-0037福岡市博多区御供所町2番4号 Map

Official site

www.tochoji.net

Read more about Tōchō-ji Temple

Jomanji Temple offers a glimpse into Edo-period architecture and Fukuoka's scholarly past.

What it is

• Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha Buddhist temple.
• Main hall rebuilt after the 2005 Fukuoka earthquake.

What to see

• Temple gate retains Edo period appearance.
• Temple gate is a Fukuoka City cultural property.
• Kamei family graves are a Fukuoka Prefecture cultural property.
• Graves of scholars Kamei Nanmei and Kamei Shoyo.

Getting there

• Access by Nishitetsu bus.
• Access by Fukuoka City Subway.

Address

福岡県福岡市中央区地行2-3-3 Map

Read more about Jōman-ji Temple