Shofukuji Temple: Japan's First Zen Temple
Discover Japan's first Zen temple in Fukuoka: a serene escape into history, culture, and tranquil gardens at Shofukuji Temple.
Shofukuji Temple in Fukuoka is Japan's first Zen temple, founded in 1195 by the monk Eisai, who introduced Zen Buddhism to Japan. Visitors can explore the serene temple grounds, observing traditional Zen architecture and gardens. Though the buildings are not open to the public, the peaceful atmosphere offers a tranquil escape in the heart of the city.
A brief summary to Shofukuji
- 6-1 Gokushomachi, Fukuoka, Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, JP
- +8192-291-0775
- Visit website
Local tips
- Take a 15-20 minute walk from Hakata Station to fully appreciate the surrounding Hakata district.
- Visit nearby Tochoji Temple and Kushida Shrine to explore more of Fukuoka's religious heritage.
- Look for the chrysanthemum flower emblem on the Chokushi-mon gate, opened only for Imperial envoys.
- Explore the temple grounds to find the unique 'Hakata-bei' walls, constructed from stones and roof tiles.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Hakata Station, take the Fukuoka City Subway one stop to Gion Station (210 yen). Take Exit 4 and walk 3-5 minutes to Shofukuji Temple.
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Walking
From Hakata Station, Shofukuji Temple is approximately a 15-20 minute walk. Head east from the station, following signs for the temple. The route is straightforward and passes through the Hakata district.
Discover more about Shofukuji
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Maison HAKOSHIMA メゾンハコシマ
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1-chōme-30-1 Katakasu
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Ryuguji
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Gion Station
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Explore Fukuoka from Gion Station: Your gateway to Hakata's history, culture, and modern attractions via the efficient Airport Line.
九州鉄道発祥の地の碑
0.5 km
Commemorating the origin of Kyushu Railway at the site of the first Hakata Station, a tribute to the region's railway heritage.
Kushida Shrine
0.6 km
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Kushida
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Hakata Ohashi Bridge
0.9 km
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gate's Fukuoka
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Food Stalls (Yatai)
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Nakasu Yatai Yokocho (Food Stalls Street)
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Golden Frog of Hakata Station
1.0 km
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Nakasukake Bridge
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Hakata Station
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Fuku-Haku Deai Bridge
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Unmissable attractions to see
Kahi
0.1 km
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Tochoji Temple
0.3 km
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Giant wood buddha
0.3 km
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Hakata Old Town Area
0.3 km
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Jotenji
0.3 km
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Ryuguji Temple
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Hakata Sennen-no-Mon Gate
0.4 km
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Hakata Machiya Hometown Museum
0.5 km
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Hakatamachiya Furusatokan
0.5 km
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Reisen Park
0.6 km
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Statue of Otojiro Kawakami
0.8 km
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Fukuoka Asian Art Museum
0.8 km
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Nakasukanrakugai
0.8 km
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CANAL CITY HAKATA
0.9 km
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Canal City Hakata Sun Plaza Stage (Fountain)
0.9 km
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Essential places to dine
Sushi Taro
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博多メシ 男厨
0.7 km
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Yoshizuka Unagi
0.7 km
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Hakata Mizutaki Toriden
0.8 km
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Restaurant Hiramatsu Hakata
0.8 km
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TEBASTA 中洲本店
0.8 km
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Omusubimura
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すしお料理処まつやま
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California Cotton Fields
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Somuri Nakasu
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中洲 KURODA
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Nakasu Hajime
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Nadaman Aomiya
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Nakasu Sushi Kappo Ryu
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Kagaya Hakataten
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Used Kimono shop Kofukofu
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Handa Japanese Clothing Shop (Japanese Art Stitched Jackets/Sukajan Jackets)
0.7 km
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Kawabata Shopping Arcade
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BUSCHIKA
0.8 km
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ＭＵＪＩキャナルシティ博多
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Aji no Mentaiko Fukuya Nakasu Main Store
0.8 km
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HAKATA RIVERAIN MALL by TAKASHIMAYA
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The Hakata Gift Shop (Canal City Hakata Store)
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Don Quijote Nakasu
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Nippon CHACHACHA Hakatasutoa
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HANDS Hakata Store
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Canal City Opa
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AMU Plaza Hakata City
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Hakata Hankyu
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Hakata Marui
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Ship
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ザ·ライフ ホステル & バーラウンジ
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Bar Cherokee
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Filipo Lounge | International Bar
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Tonic
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Filipo Bar | International Bar
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Experience the essence of global spirits and cocktails at Filipo Bar in the heart of Fukuoka's nightlife.
ニッカバー 七島
0.8 km
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Higuchi
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Komasa
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Yebisu Bar(yebisu beer bar)
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Bar Cooper
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ガールズバーコロナ(girlsbar corona) 中洲 キャバクラ クラブ リオグループ
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The Hakata Harp
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Lounge and Bar Hakatagawa
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Highball Bar Nakasu 1923
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