Tochoji Temple and the Five-Story Pagoda

Located in Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Tochoji Temple is a special head temple of the Shingon sect in Japan. It was founded in 806 AD by Kobo Daishi Kukai upon his return from Tang China, making it one of the earliest esoteric Buddhist temples in Japan. The temple's name signifies "the eternal spread of esoteric Buddhism in the East." Kukai stayed in the Chikuzen region for about four years before heading to Kyoto, laying the foundation for Japanese esoteric Buddhism.

Tochoji Temple has a long history and has been damaged multiple times due to the Mongol invasions and wars. It was rebuilt during the Edo period by Kuroda Tadayuki, the lord of Fukuoka Domain, and became the family temple of the Kuroda clan. The temple grounds house the graves of three generations of Kuroda lords: Tadayuki, Mitsuyuki, and Harutaka. The Setsubun Festival held at the temple dates back to 1425, making it one of the oldest Setsubun celebrations in Fukuoka. Today, it is also a popular event for international students to experience Japanese culture.

The five-story pagoda within the temple was completed in 2011. This elegant, towering structure is made entirely of cypress wood, a rare example of a large-scale wooden pagoda in modern times. Inside the pagoda's finial is enshrined a relic of the Buddha (Shakyamuni's bone), which is said to have been brought back from China by Kukai. This gives the pagoda immense religious and cultural significance, attracting countless devotees and travelers.

📌 Basic Information
Name: Nangakuzan Tochoji Temple
Address: 2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City
Access: Directly accessible from Exit 1 of Gion Station on the subway
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact: 092-291-4459

Post by Jason906 | Jul 28, 2025