Jotenji Temple: A Zen Oasis in Hakata

Jotenji Temple, nestled in Hakata, Fukuoka, is a tranquil Zen Buddhist temple with a rich history and cultural significance. Founded in 1242 by the priest Shoichi Kokushi with the support of Chinese merchant Xie Guoming, it belongs to the Rinzai school of Tofukuji sect Buddhism. The temple is also known as Banshosan.Jotenji is renowned as the birthplace of several important aspects of Japanese culture. It is said that Shoichi Kokushi introduced the methods for making udon and soba noodles, manju cakes, and yokan (adzuki-bean jelly) after returning from studies in China. Stone monuments within the temple precinct commemorate these culinary contributions. The Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival, Fukuoka's most famous festival, is also believed to have originated here when Shoichi Kokushi prayed against a plague in 1241.The temple grounds feature a beautiful Zen rock garden, the Sentoutei Garden, designed in the karesansui style. Although not always open to the public, it can be viewed from the opposite garden or avenue. The garden's white sand represents the Genkai-nada Sea, with stones symbolizing the islands of Iki and Tsushima.Visitors can also see the Hakata Sennenmon (Thousand Year Gate), built in 2014 to welcome visitors to the historical area of Hakata. The bell tower, dating back to 1674, is one of the few structures that survived the Fukuoka air raid and is designated as Fukuoka's Cultural Property.