Tochoji Temple
東長寺The head temple for Shingon Buddhism in Kyushu, the temple’s principal object of worship is a figure of the great priest Kukai. The first temple built by Kukai in Japan after returning from Tang China, it is said that the temple’s name, comprised of the characters for “east” and “long,” was chosen to reflect Kukai’s hope that esoteric Buddhism would long be spread in the east of Asia. The temple’s circular Rokkaku-do hall is both exceptionally functional and beautiful. The temple’s brilliant red five-tier pagoda was just completed in 2011. The giant Fukuoka Daibutsu statue of the Buddha situated on the temple grounds, meanwhile, was completed over a four year period starting in 1988. A spectacular figure 10.8 meters tall and weighing 30 tons, the patterned wall behind the statue enshrines 5,000 smaller Buddha statues. A 15-minute walk from JR Hakata Station.
- LOCATION
- Fukuoka Pref. Fukuokashihakataku Gokushomachi 2-4
- PHONE
- 0922914459
- Hours
- 9:00-16:45
- Closed
- open everyday
- Fees
- [Admission fee] Free [Great Buddha Hall Admission fee] 50yen
- Parking Lot
- Available (Large Bus 2spaces, Medium Bus 4spaces, Standard size 20spaces)
- Credit Card
- Not available
