What other travelers are saying about Tochoji Temple
A peaceful and historic gem in the heart of Fukuoka. Known for housing Japan’s largest wooden seated Buddha, the temple blends calm atmosphere with impressive craftsmanship. Stepping inside feels like stepping into another time—soft incense, quiet pathways, and intricate temple details. The hidden Kannon purification tunnel adds a unique, almost spiritual experience.
Its worth the visit. The experience was amazing and the big wooden Buddha was amazing to see and walk around it to see other paintings and hear the history of it. At one point it was pitch black and no light allowed to find your way out from under the big Buddha. Its well worth 100 yen. No photos allowed inside, its a very spiritual experience.
A hidden gem in the heart of Hakata! Tochoji Temple is a tranquil oasis just steps from the busy city streets.
The massive wooden Buddha statue is breathtaking—standing over 10 meters tall, it’s one of the largest seated Buddha statues in Japan.
Don’t miss the “hell and paradise” corridor beneath the statue—it’s a unique and thought-provoking experience.
The temple grounds also feature a beautiful five-story pagoda and historic architecture.
Easy to reach from Gion Station.
Highly recommended for anyone interested in Japanese culture and spirituality!
Tōchō-ji (東長寺) is a Shingon temple in Hakata, Fukuoka, Japan. Its honorary sangō prefix is Nangakuzan (南岳山).
This head temple of Shingon Buddhism Kyushu sect is given the special name Nangakuzan. It is dedicated to a famous 5 stories pagoda.
Big great Buddha in level 1. No photo allowed.
Short walk from Hakata city and next to old town!
Beautiful Temple you got a big buddha here is well price to see the buddha is 100 yen def worth it it’s very beautiful you are not allowed to take picture of the buddha. The Temple is very nice there is a beautiful red pagoda with some very nice photo angles I spend around 1 hour here.
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.
