Exploring Hakata: What to See at Tochoji Temple

Thursday, September 25, 2025

Exploring Hakata: What to See at Tochoji Temple

Gojunoto (五重塔) at Tochoji Temple (東長寺)

During our trip to Hakata last year, my husband and I stayed at the ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka—our familiar home base for those who've followed my past adventures. With several shrines and temples tucked within walking distance of JR Hakata Station, I made sure to carve out time for a few spiritual stops along the way:

Sumiyoshi Shrine (住吉神社): Just an 8-minute walk from JR Hakata Station
Railway Shrine (鉄道神社): Quietly nestled atop JR Hakata Station
Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社): About a 20-minute walk from JR Hakata Station or a brisk 8 minutes from Gion Subway Station
Tochoji Temple (東長寺): Only a 12-minute stroll from JR Hakata Station or 8 minutes on foot from Kushida Shrine

This time, we ventured to Tochoji Temple (東長寺), a centuries-old Buddhist sanctuary in the heart of Hakata. After exploring Kushida Shrine (櫛田神社)—which I featured in my previous post—we continued our walk, arriving at Tochoji in just under 10 minutes.

Tochoji Temple (東長寺)

Tochoji Temple (東長寺)
2-4 Gokushomachi
Hakata-ku, Fukuoka-city
Fukuoka, Japan

Tochoji Temple (東長寺)

Tochoji Temple (東長寺) was founded in 806 by the revered monk Kukai, also known as Kobo Daishi, following his return from Buddhist studies in Tang China. It holds the distinction of being the oldest Shingon sect temple in Japan, and stands as a spiritual cornerstone in Hakata’s rich cultural landscape.

Honden of Tochoji Temple (東長寺)

Even with a few tourists around, Tochoji Temple felt calm and peaceful. It was so quiet, we just stopped for a moment and took it all in.

Honden of Tochoji Temple (東長寺)

The honden (本殿), or main hall of Tochoji Temple (東長寺), was impressively spacious. From where we stood, we could see the big tatami space and the peaceful figures inside: the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, Fudo Myo-o (the Immovable Wisdom King), and Kobo Daishi himself. Each statue felt deeply rooted in presence, adding to the temple’s quiet power.

Honden of Tochoji Temple (東長寺)

Daikokuten (大黒天) at Tochoji

Inside the main hall, we spotted Daikokuten (大黒天)—one of Japan’s beloved Seven Gods of Good Fortune. With his cheerful smile, he’s known for bringing luck, wealth, and warm relationships. In Japan, people adore him for adding a little happiness and good fortune to everyday life.

Gojunoto (五重塔)

Right next to the main hall, there’s a bright red five-story pagoda called Gojunoto (五重塔). It was built in 2011 to celebrate 1,200 years since Tochoji Temple was founded. Inside, it holds Buddhist relics that Kukai brought back from Tang Dynasty China. The tall pagoda really stood out and gave the temple grounds a splash of color and grace.

Gojunoto (五重塔)

We looked up and couldn’t help but admire the craftsmanship in every beam and tile.

Our visit to Tochoji Temple was peaceful and full of quiet moments that stayed with us. Between the thoughtful details and rich history, it was one of those places that invites you to slow down and just take it all in.

I didn’t mention it earlier, but there are a couple more things worth seeing at Tochoji Temple. One is the Fukuoka Daibutsu (福岡大仏)—Japan’s largest wooden seated Buddha, standing at 10.8 meters tall. The other is Rokkakudo (六角堂), a unique hexagonal hall that’s been designated a Cultural Property of Fukuoka City. If you find yourself in Hakata, make time to visit Tochoji Temple—it’s a quiet yet powerful spot that offers a deeper glimpse into the city’s spiritual and cultural heart.

There are my entries related to Fukuoka.