Shofuku-ji Temple
Discover Japan's oldest Zen temple, a serene sanctuary with historic architecture and tranquil gardens, offering a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful vibes, fewer crowds
Shofuku-ji Temple
Best Time
Peaceful vibes, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Japan's oldest Zen temple, a serene sanctuary with historic architecture and tranquil gardens, offering a peaceful escape.
"Find your peace here! This temple is in the middle of a beautiful park and near Gion subway station."
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Japan's oldest Zen temple by visiting in the early morning.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Temple signage can be minimal; use a map or GPS to find your way easily.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Oldest Zen Temple Grounds
Temple Complex
Wander through the historic grounds of Japan's first Zen temple, a peaceful oasis with ancient structures.
Tranquil Garden Pond
Garden Area
Find calm by the well-maintained garden pond, surrounded by shady trees and a serene atmosphere.
Architectural Remnants
Various Buildings
Admire the magnificent wooden temples and buildings, remnants of centuries of Zen Buddhist history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Navigating Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Japan's oldest Zen temple by visiting in the early morning.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Temple signage can be minimal; use a map or GPS to find your way easily.
💧 No Facilities On-Site
Be prepared as there are no restrooms available within the temple grounds.
🚶 Close to Tochoji Temple
Easily combine your visit with the nearby Tochoji Temple for a fuller experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Peace
Beat the crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Japan's oldest Zen temple by visiting in the early morning.
🗺️ Navigate with Care
Temple signage can be minimal; use a map or GPS to find your way easily.
💧 No Facilities On-Site
Be prepared as there are no restrooms available within the temple grounds.
🚶 Close to Tochoji Temple
Easily combine your visit with the nearby Tochoji Temple for a fuller experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Shofuku-ji Temple for its historical significance as Japan's oldest Zen temple and its remarkably peaceful, well-maintained gardens. Many appreciate the tranquility and lack of crowds, offering a serene escape. However, some note the aging condition of certain areas and the absence of on-site restrooms.
"Find your peace here!
This temple is in the middle of a beautiful park and near Gion subway station. It’s well maintained and simply beautiful.
It was impressively empty with a few locals there."
Marcos Ichinohe
"a large and tranquil temple complex and is believed to be the first Zen temple in Japan. a couple of magnificent wooden temples / buildings around, but all are not open to the public. after visiting the busy Tochoji Temple, we enjoyed the moment of quietness and calmness, and we wandered into the well-maintained garden with shady trees."
Ernest T
"Shofukuji Temple is probably the earliest or the oldest Zen Sect Temple in Japan, and it was built in 1195, although its current Sanmon Gate was built in 1911. It worships Triad Buddhas for the Buddha of the Past, of the Present [which is Shakyamuni Buddha], and of the Future as main deities, and for Japanese Zen Buddhism, Three Buddhas are Shaka, Amida, and Miroku.
While the Temple seems to be intended to preserve its original building structures, garden, ponds, and others as much as possible, the Temple does show signs of aging and damage in the Temple yard/site, especially for the area around the pond.
Temple is free of charge for entrance, though there is NO bathroom or toilet inside the Temple. The Temple is in close walking distance from Tochoji Temple, but the road signs for the Shofukuji Temples are NOT well marked or posted for every major road which can be connected to the Temple."
Ben Hsu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Shofuku-ji Temple is conveniently located near the Gion subway station, making it accessible via public transport. It's also within walking distance of Tochoji Temple, allowing for a combined visit.
While it's near major landmarks, road signs for Shofuku-ji Temple can be sparse. It's advisable to use a map or GPS to ensure you find it without difficulty.
From Hakata Station, you can take the subway to Gion Station, which is a short walk from the temple. This is a common and efficient route for many visitors.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entrance to Shofuku-ji Temple is free of charge, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors.
The temple grounds are generally open during daylight hours, though specific times can vary. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the gardens and architecture.
Shofuku-ji Temple is primarily a daytime attraction. Visiting during daylight hours allows you to best experience the tranquil gardens and historic buildings.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the oldest Zen temple in Japan, admire its magnificent wooden buildings (though many are not open to the public), and wander through its well-maintained garden with a serene pond and shady trees.
Unfortunately, there are no restrooms or toilet facilities available within the Shofuku-ji Temple grounds. Visitors are advised to use facilities before arriving.
Compared to other popular temples and shrines in Fukuoka, Shofuku-ji Temple is often impressively empty, offering a more peaceful and tranquil experience.
Shofuku-ji Temple is significant as it is believed to be the earliest or oldest Zen Sect Temple in Japan, established in 1195. It worships Triad Buddhas, central to Japanese Zen Buddhism.
Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, allowing you to capture the serene gardens and historic architecture.
📸 📸 Photography
The tranquil garden pond with its surrounding trees and the historic wooden temple buildings offer beautiful photographic opportunities. Early morning light can enhance the serene atmosphere.
While the exterior of the temple buildings can be photographed, many of the main structures are not open to the public, limiting interior photography.
A standard lens or a wide-angle lens would be suitable for capturing the temple's architecture and garden landscapes. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions if visiting early.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that restroom facilities are not available on-site, so plan accordingly. The free entry makes it an accessible option for families looking for a quiet cultural experience. Visiting early in the morning can help avoid any potential noise from a nearby school, ensuring a more serene visit.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers
As there are no facilities on-site, it's best to be prepared. The temple's proximity to Gion subway station and Tochoji Temple makes it easy to incorporate into a day of exploration without feeling rushed. It’s a perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle and find a moment of calm.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historical Significance of Shofuku-ji
While the temple aims to preserve its original structures and garden, signs of aging are visible, particularly around the pond area. The current Sanmon Gate, for instance, was constructed in 1911, showcasing a blend of historical preservation and later additions. Despite these signs of time, the temple's enduring legacy as a spiritual cornerstone remains palpable.
Experiencing the Tranquility
Many reviewers mention the pleasant surprise of finding the temple impressively empty, allowing for a more personal and unhurried experience. The quietness, punctuated only by natural sounds, contributes to the temple's calming effect. It's a place where one can truly appreciate the essence of Zen tranquility and the beauty of Japanese garden design.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit