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Shofukuji Temple

Name: Shofukuji Temple
Address: 6-1 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan
Rating: 4.2

4.2 (200)・Tourist Attraction・Place Of Worship・Point Of Interest・Establishment

Shofukuji Temple, nestled in the heart of Fukuoka, is a serene and historic gem that offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Established in 1195 by the revered monk Eisai, it is renowned as Japan’s first Zen Buddhist temple, marking the introduction of Zen Buddhism to the country.

Visitors to Shofukuji are immediately struck by its tranquil atmosphere, surrounded by lush greenery and beautifully maintained gardens. The temple’s simple yet elegant architecture reflects traditional Zen aesthetics, promoting a sense of calm and introspection. The main hall, or Butsuden, houses a statue of Shaka Nyorai (the historical Buddha), inviting quiet contemplation.

A notable feature of Shofukuji is its historical significance. Eisai not only founded the temple but also introduced the practice of tea drinking to Japan, which later evolved into the Japanese tea ceremony. The temple’s serene environment and historical legacy make it a center for Zen practice and meditation.

Exploring Shofukuji Temple offers more than just a glimpse into Japan’s spiritual heritage. It provides a moment of peace and reflection, allowing visitors to connect with the profound teachings of Zen Buddhism.

Hours:

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Closed:

No closing days

Available:

All year

Minimum Age:

All ages are welcome

Fees:

No entrance fee

Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 92-291-0775

Website

shofukuji.or.jp

The area

Address

6-1 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan

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What other travelers are saying about Shofukuji Temple

Find your peace here! This temple is in the middle of a beautiful park and near Gion subway station. It’s well maintained and simply beautiful. It was impressively empty with a few locals there.

Marcos Ichinohe

Dec 20, 2024

Quite, peaceful and well maintained It was so many crow there

Scorpio M

Dec 28, 2024

The oldest Zen temple in Japan and the peaceful gardens surrounding it are well worth a visit. We came early in the morning and it was very quiet, apart from the sound of kids playing in the nearby school.

Tiina Golub (Tina Golubeva)

Sep 11, 2024

a large and tranquil temple complex and is believed to be the first Zen temple in Japan. a couple of magnificent wooden temples / buildings around, but all are not open to the public. after visiting the busy Tochoji Temple, we enjoyed the moment of quietness and calmness, and we wandered into the well-maintained garden with shady trees.

Ernest T

May 13, 2023

Shofukuji Temple is probably the earliest or the oldest Zen Sect Temple in Japan, and it was built in 1195, although its current Sanmon Gate was built in 1911. It worships Triad Buddhas for the Buddha of the Past, of the Present [which is Shakyamuni Buddha], and of the Future as main deities, and for Japanese Zen Buddhism, Three Buddhas are Shaka, Amida, and Miroku. While the Temple seems to be intended to preserve its original building structures, garden, ponds, and others as much as possible, the Temple does show signs of aging and damage in the Temple yard/site, especially for the area around the pond. Temple is free of charge for entrance, though there is NO bathroom or toilet inside the Temple. The Temple is in close walking distance from Tochoji Temple, but the road signs for the Shofukuji Temples are NOT well marked or posted for every major road which can be connected to the Temple.