What other travelers are saying about Tochoji Temple
The temple has a beautiful pagoda and a big Buddha statue on the second floor of another building. The statue was very detailed and amazing to see. There’s an entrance or offering fee of ¥100 per person to view the Buddha, and taking photos inside is not allowed.
I got a goshuin there. They have pre-made stamps available for ¥500.
Visited in late September 2025.
Tochoji Temple is a free and small but culturally rich site in Fukuoka, often busy with visitors. It features a striking red, tiered pagoda that’s beautiful for photos and adds to the temple’s historic charm. The main highlight, however, is the massive seated Buddha hidden inside—one of the largest wooden Buddhas in Japan—which you can view for just 100 JPY. Despite its size, the temple grounds are compact, making it a quick but worthwhile stop if you’re in the area.
This is a very sacred Buddhist temple with a Buddha on second floor. If you are Buddhist it is highly recommend. The exhibit underneath the statue was the first I had experienced. The shrine at the side of the main temple has big mala beads which you can touch for blessing.
A nice temple with a peaceful atmosphere. Candles and incense can be offered on the first floor main hall for a small offering. There’s a big and impressive wooden Buddha statue on the second floor. There’s also a hallway with paintings to illustrate the hell and pure realms at the base of the statue. Entrance fee to the second storey hall is reasonable at 50 yen.
Tochoji Temple is famous for its Great Buddha statue (Fukuoka Daibutsu), which is one of the largest seated wooden Buddha statues in Japan, standing at 10.8 meters tall.
Key attractions include the Great Buddha statue, the five-story pagoda, the ancient wooden statue of Kannon, and the impressive 1,000 Buddha statues.
The temple can be visited year-round, but it is particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season in spring and autumn when the leaves change color.
Tochoji Temple is easily accessible from Gion Station on the Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line, just a short walk from the station.
Visitors can participate in traditional Buddhist practices, such as offering incense, praying at the Great Buddha statue, and walking through the "hell and paradise" tunnel beneath the Great Buddha.
