Tochoji Temple (Fukuoka) | Review by 楊雅雯

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Tochoji Temple (Fukuoka)

Known for the giant "Fukuoka Daibutsu (Fukuoka Great Buddha)”, this is the oldest temple in Japan founded by Kukai.

27 Oct 2026 See More

On this trip to Fukuoka, I made a special stop at Tochoji Temple! The temple is best known for the Fukuoka Daibutsu. I originally thought I would just see the Great Buddha and take some photos, but I didn’t expect there to be a passage inside where you can experience the path through hell, which I found quite unique.

Tochoji is an ancient temple founded by Kobo Daishi Kukai. The wooden Fukuoka Daibutsu inside is truly magnificent. The atmosphere while worshipping was very solemn and reverent, and the scent of wood filled the air, naturally making me feel calm.

Unfortunately, photography isn’t allowed in the area where the Buddha is enshrined, so you can only appreciate it with your own eyes and slowly take in the atmosphere. People who are familiar with Buddhism or enjoy temple culture will probably find it even more meaningful.

There is also a path through hell beneath the Great Buddha that visitors can explore. It has paintings depicting hell, and the most distinctive part is that you have to walk through a very dark passage before seeing the light ahead. The whole experience was interesting and was what left the strongest impression on me here.

If you’ve already visited most of the other attractions in central Fukuoka, you can stop by here as well. About 30–50 minutes should be enough for a visit.

Other Reviews by 楊雅雯

Fukuoka Prefectural Tenjin Central Park

Located in the bustling Tenjin district of Fukuoka City, this park is a place of relaxation for county residents, boasting a total area of about 31,000 square meters. It features the stately "Fountain Plaza," made with stone pillars and materials from the old prefectural office building, a vast "Lawn Plaza" ideal for leisurely picnics and naps, and "high bars" that can be used for hanging or doing pull-ups, allowing visitors to spend their time freely and comfortably.
- Hakata, Tenjin, Ohori
- Parks & Gardens
27 Oct 2026 See More

On this trip, I was exploring Tenjin in Fukuoka and unexpectedly discovered such a lush green park right in the city center! Just exit through the Mitsukoshi Exit at Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station and walk straight to get there. It’s really convenient〜 Kego Shrine is right next door, so you can visit both at the same time.

When I came on a weekday, I saw quite a few Japanese people exercising and taking walks in the park. It also happened to be lunchtime, so many office workers had bought bento boxes or rice balls and were eating lunch right in the park. It felt very relaxing and gave a real sense of local life.

Unfortunately, I came at the wrong time and missed the flower season, so I could only take a short break beside the lawn. The surroundings here are very pleasant, but tourists probably wouldn’t spend too much time here.

If I get the chance, I’d like to come back during flower season and hopefully see the beautiful sight of the park filled with blooms!
Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden

The zoo and botanical garden is located on the grounds of Minami Park, a hilly area in Fukuoka City. The zoo area is located in the central part of the park, and the botanical garden area is located in the southern part, both of which can be accessed via an overpass.
- Hakata, Tenjin, Ohori
- Zoos & Aquariums
20 Oct 2026 See More

When visiting Fukuoka, besides shopping and enjoying the food, I also highly recommend planning a trip to the Fukuoka Zoo and Botanical Garden for a relaxing time surrounded by nature. The grounds are home to around 100 species of animals, along with beautiful flowers that change with the seasons. Whether you're on a family outing, a date, or just want to get away from the noise of the city, it's a great place to take a walk.

The zoo was more interesting than I expected! The animals were all very active, especially the otter, which kept spinning around nonstop. It was so cute and impressive that I couldn't help stopping to watch for a while!

The botanical garden was also beautiful enough to make my heart skip a beat! The grounds are lush and green, and the flowers, plants, and trees are very well maintained, making it extremely pleasant to stroll around. Some people even bring picnic supplies to the botanical garden to enjoy a relaxing time. Just imagining it feels so peaceful, and it's also very atmospheric for photos.

You can take a bus from central Fukuoka and get off right in front of the zoo, which is very convenient. Overall, this isn't just a place to see animals; it's also a great place to get close to nature and slow down. Both adults and children can find something to enjoy, so I recommend adding it to your itinerary when visiting Fukuoka!
Ohori Park

Ohori Park is located in downtown Fukuoka City, only two stations away from Tenjin Station, but is a favorite place for citizens to relax and enjoy the abundant nature centered around a large pond.
- Hakata, Tenjin, Ohori
- Parks & Gardens
20 Oct 2026 See More

If you're traveling independently in Fukuoka, I definitely recommend making time for a walk around Ohori Park! The park is really large, centered around a vast lake and surrounded by lush greenery. The scenery is beautiful and relaxing, making it a great place for Fukuoka residents to walk, exercise, and unwind.

Besides the beautiful lake views, the park also has playground equipment for children. For something a little different, you can ride a duck-shaped paddle boat and leisurely enjoy the scenery from the water.

Even without planning any particular activity, it feels wonderful just to stroll along the lake, enjoy the water views, or find a bench to sit on, have a bite to eat, and simply zone out.

The Fukuoka Art Museum is about a 5-minute walk from the park, so it's easy to visit both. Transportation is also incredibly convenient—you can get there easily on the Fukuoka City Subway without any hassle!