Oldest Zen Temple in Japan
Neighborhood: Hakata
Nearest Train: Gion
Phone: +81 92 431 3003
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Five minutes' walk from Hakata Station, Shofukuji Temple offers a retreat from the world. Although still a working temple, the secluded walks and shaded gardens give one the impression of having traveled back in time. This Rinzai-sect temple was founded in the 12th century by the priest Eisai-Myoan, and is the oldest Zen temple in Japan. Its buildings house a number of important artifacts including personal effects of the priest and noted sumi-e artist Sengai, an ancient korai bell from Korea, and a votive tablet presented to the temple by the Emperor Gotoba in the Kamakura Period.
Reviews
great atmosphere the temple was also spectacular
I liked the fact that you could see all of nature and the beauty of the temple its self was a great ...
Reviewed by:A Yahoo! Contributor from on Nov 07 2007
Pretty good for a temple in the middle of Fukuoka
A decent temple but is lacking in upkeep and has become a little run down....
Reviewed by:daronpayne22 from San Diego, CA on Oct 20 2005
