Jotenji Temple: A Zen Oasis in Hakata

Discover tranquility at Jotenji Temple in Hakata, the birthplace of udon, soba, and the vibrant Yamakasa Festival.

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Jotenji

Jotenji Temple, founded in 1242, offers a serene escape in the heart of Fukuoka's bustling Hakata district. Known as the birthplace of udon and soba noodles in Japan, this Zen temple features a beautiful, though often private, rock garden and historical monuments.

A brief summary to Jotenji

1 Chome-29-9 Hakata Ekimae, Fukuoka, 1 Chome Hakata Ekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0011, JP
+8192-431-3570

Local tips

Look for the stone monuments commemorating the origin of udon and soba noodles, and the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival.
Even if the Zen garden is closed, you can often get a good view of it through the gate or over the low walls.
Visit in mid-November for the light-up event when the temple grounds, including the Zen garden, are beautifully illuminated.

Getting There

Walking

Jotenji Temple is conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from Hakata Station. Exit the station and head north, following signs for the Hakata Sennen Gate. Pass through the gate, and you'll find Jotenji Temple a short distance ahead. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

The closest subway station to Jotenji Temple is Gion Station. From Hakata Station, take the Fukuoka City Subway to Gion Station (approximately 2 minutes, ¥190-¥220). From Gion Station, it's a 5-minute walk to the temple. Check the posted maps to determine the appropriate exit for your destination.
Taxi

A taxi from Hakata Station to Jotenji Temple takes about 3 minutes and costs approximately ¥1,100-¥1,400. Taxis are readily available at Hakata Station.

Discover more about Jotenji

Jotenji Temple, officially named Banshosan Jotenji, is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple established in 1242 by the priest Enni-Ben'en with the support of the Chinese merchant, Xie Guo Ming. The temple is located in Hakata, Fukuoka, and provides a tranquil contrast to the surrounding urban environment. Enni-Ben'en brought back various aspects of Chinese culture, including methods for making udon, soba, yokan (adzuki-bean jelly), and manju (steamed buns). Stone monuments within the temple grounds commemorate these culinary contributions. Jotenji is also considered the birthplace of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival, one of Fukuoka's most famous events. The temple features a traditional Zen garden, Sentoutei, though it is not always open to the public. The meticulously raked sand represents the Genkai-nada Sea, with stones symbolizing Iki and Tsushima Islands. The garden is sometimes illuminated in November. The Hakata Sennen Gate, a replica of Hakata's original gate, stands at the entrance to Jotenji-dori Avenue, symbolizing hope for the city's prosperity. Important cultural properties housed within Jotenji include a wooden statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, painted silk scrolls of Zen Patriarchs, and a bronze bell originating from Korea.