Jotenji Temple: A Zen Oasis in Hakata

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

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Jotenji

Jotenji Temple, founded in 1242, offers a serene escape from bustling Hakata. This Zen temple is historically significant as the birthplace of udon and soba noodles and the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival. Visitors can explore its tranquil grounds and view the renowned Zen rock garden.

A brief summary to Jotenji

1 Chome-29-9 Hakata Ekimae, Fukuoka, 1 Chome Hakata Ekimae, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0011, JP
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Monday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 8:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 8:30 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Visit in mid-November to see the temple grounds, including the Zen garden, beautifully illuminated during the light-up event.
Look for the stone monuments commemorating the introduction of udon, soba, manju, and yokan by Shoichi Kokushi.
Take a moment to appreciate the serene atmosphere and traditional design of Jotenji Avenue leading to the temple.

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Getting There

Walking

From Hakata Station, walk north along the main road, passing the Hakata Kotsu Center. Turn left at Nishitetsu Hotel Croom Hakata and follow the signs to Hakata Sennen no Mon Gate. Jotenji Temple is a short walk from the gate. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
Public Transport

Take the Fukuoka City Subway from Hakata Station to Gion Station. From Gion Station, Jotenji Temple is a 5-minute walk. Subway fare is ¥190-¥220.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available from Hakata Station. The taxi ride to Jotenji Temple is approximately 3 minutes and costs between ¥1,100 and ¥1,400.

Discover more about Jotenji

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.