Sōfuku-ji Temple

What it is

• An Obaku Zen temple founded in 1629 by Chinese residents from Fujian.
• One of the four historic Chinese temples located in Nagasaki City.
• The oldest example of a Chinese-style temple currently standing in Japan.
• A former site for language studies and private schools for early missionaries.

What to see

• The Daiyuhoden and Daiipponmon structures which are designated as National Treasures.
• The red Sanmon gate built in 1849, an Important Cultural Property.
• A historic bell and drum tower established on the grounds in 1728.
• Architectural details from the Fujian province style not common in Japanese temples.

Getting there

• The temple is a three-minute walk from Sofukuji Station.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.