Fukusaiji Temple
A unique temple built on a turtle, offering a peaceful escape and a poignant reminder of Nagasaki's history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience quiet solitude
Fukusaiji Temple
Best Time
Experience quiet solitude
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique temple built on a turtle, offering a peaceful escape and a poignant reminder of Nagasaki's history.
"A truly unique temple that doesn't get a lot of tourist attention."
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Often empty, enjoy the profound peace. Perfect for meditation or quiet contemplation.
🐢 Unique Architecture
Don't miss the temple built on a turtle! A truly one-of-a-kind sight in Nagasaki.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Turtle Base Temple
Main temple structure
A truly unique temple built atop a giant turtle statue, offering a memorable and unusual architectural experience.
Kannon Statue
Top of the turtle base
The imposing Kannon statue atop the turtle base is a striking sight, symbolizing peace and compassion.
WWII Museum & Foucault Pendulum
Basement
Discover poignant WWII exhibits and the fascinating Foucault pendulum, a free glimpse into history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
A Glimpse into History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Often empty, enjoy the profound peace. Perfect for meditation or quiet contemplation.
🐢 Unique Architecture
Don't miss the temple built on a turtle! A truly one-of-a-kind sight in Nagasaki.
🕰️ Free History Lesson
The basement museum is free and offers a moving look at WWII history.
🔔 Bell Rings at 11:02 AM
Hear the temple bell at 11:02 AM, a solemn reminder of the atomic bombing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Embrace the Quiet
Often empty, enjoy the profound peace. Perfect for meditation or quiet contemplation.
🐢 Unique Architecture
Don't miss the temple built on a turtle! A truly one-of-a-kind sight in Nagasaki.
🕰️ Free History Lesson
The basement museum is free and offers a moving look at WWII history.
🔔 Bell Rings at 11:02 AM
Hear the temple bell at 11:02 AM, a solemn reminder of the atomic bombing.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fukusaiji Temple is praised for its unique turtle-shaped architecture and serene, often uncrowded atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the free access to its historical museum and the poignant daily ringing of the temple bell. Some find the museum's exhibits somber and the overall quietness can feel a bit eerie due to its historical context.
"Unique looking temple, both from inside and outside. There's also a small museum with the third biggest Foucault pendulum in the world (although I didn't really understand why it was placed here) and many exhibits from the WWII period in the basement (free access). The place itself is quiet, almost silent, and surrounded by a cemetery, while the museum seems to be in a bit abandoned state. If there's no one around, the atmosphere might feel slightly frightening due to the temple's grievous past and connection to the lives lost during the war."
Sunny Satellite
"Beautiful and peaceful, I saw two people when I was leaving after an hour visit. Free to enter, meditate, pray. I played my shakuhachi as an offering to Kwan Yin (Kannon)"
Fuu Miyatani French
"An amazing small yet impressive shrine hidden among tall buildings, just a short walk from Nagasaki station. The shrine is dedicated to the victims of war. On the sides are stairs to the basement, where there is a small museum of war victims and Foucault's pendulum. The shrine is definitely worth a visit. We were there twice two days in a row and nobody was ever there."
Monika Křtěnová
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fukusaiji Temple is conveniently located just a short walk from Nagasaki Station, making it easily accessible for day-trippers. Many visitors find it a pleasant stroll through the city's back roads.
While it's nestled among taller buildings, its unique turtle shape makes it a distinctive landmark once you're nearby. Keep an eye out for its unusual silhouette.
Walking is highly recommended to appreciate the surrounding area and the temple's hidden charm. Public transport options are available, but a leisurely walk offers a more immersive experience.
Information on specific parking facilities is limited, but given its central location, it's advisable to utilize public transport or walk.
Yes, several bus routes stop near Nagasaki Station, from which you can easily walk to the temple. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient routes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the temple grounds and the basement museum are generally free to enter, making it an accessible cultural experience for all visitors. +1
While specific hours can vary, visitors often report being able to access the grounds and museum during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully appreciate the site. +1
Advance booking is not required as there is no admission fee. You can typically visit spontaneously. +1
The museum in the basement is usually accessible, but it's advisable to visit during typical daytime hours to ensure availability.
The temple bell rings daily at 11:02 AM to commemorate the atomic bombing. Other events are not widely advertised, but the atmosphere is always conducive to reflection.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The most striking feature is the temple itself, built on the base of a giant turtle, with a large Kannon statue on top.
The basement houses a small museum with exhibits related to WWII and Nagasaki's history, including a Foucault pendulum.
Yes, the unique architecture and serene surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities, especially the turtle base and Kannon statue. +1
It's known for being very quiet and peaceful, often with few other visitors, which can create a slightly eerie but profound atmosphere due to its history. +1
While not a typical children's attraction, the unique turtle structure might capture their imagination. The historical exhibits are more suited for older children or adults.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the iconic turtle base from various angles, the serene Kannon statue, and the peaceful cemetery surroundings. The unique architecture is highly photogenic. +1
Photography is generally permitted on the grounds. Be respectful of any areas designated for prayer or quiet contemplation.
Drone usage is typically restricted at religious sites and historical locations. It's best to assume it's not permitted to avoid any issues.
Morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful, soft illumination for your photos, enhancing the temple's serene atmosphere.
The Foucault pendulum and the WWII exhibits in the basement offer a more somber, yet historically significant, photographic subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider framing the visit as a discovery of a 'secret' or 'hidden' temple with a fun animal theme. The Foucault pendulum in the basement could also be a point of fascination, demonstrating a scientific principle in a historical setting. Remember to manage expectations regarding the solemnity of the WWII exhibits.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors
The temple's unique design and its poignant historical connections offer ample opportunity for reflection. Visitors can explore the grounds at their own pace, absorbing the peaceful ambiance and contemplating the temple's past and its message of peace. The free access to the museum further enhances its appeal for those seeking a meaningful and unhurried experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Architecture of Fukusaiji Temple
The temple complex itself, while rebuilt, retains a sense of history. Founded in 1628, it has endured significant destruction, particularly during the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki. The reconstruction in the shape of a turtle is a testament to resilience and a unique approach to memorialization. Visitors often remark on the temple's unusual appearance, finding it both intriguing and beautiful.
Beyond the main structure, the surrounding cemetery contributes to the temple's quiet and contemplative atmosphere. The juxtaposition of the unique temple design with the solemnity of the cemetery creates a space that is both visually engaging and emotionally resonant. It’s a place that invites visitors to pause and reflect on its history and symbolism.
Fukusaiji Temple's Connection to Nagasaki's History
In the temple's basement, a small museum offers a free yet poignant glimpse into this history. It houses exhibits related to the WWII period and the lives affected by the bombing. Among these exhibits is a Foucault pendulum, a scientific instrument that demonstrates the Earth's rotation and serves as a symbolic representation of time and the enduring impact of historical events. The museum's presence underscores the temple's role as a site of remembrance.
Furthermore, the temple bell at Fukusaiji sounds daily at precisely 11:02 AM, the exact time the atomic bomb detonated over Nagasaki. This daily ritual serves as a powerful and constant reminder of the tragedy and a call for peace. The quiet, often empty, atmosphere of the temple can amplify the gravity of its historical context, making it a deeply moving experience for visitors.
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