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poi · JP

Fukuoka Great Buddha

Getting around: Located within Tochoji Temple in central Hakata, about a 10 minute walk from Gion subway station or Hakata Station.
Hours: Temple grounds typically open around 9am-5pm daily; a small donation is customary to view the underground gallery beneath the statue.

The Fukuoka Great Buddha sits inside Tochoji Temple, a Shingon-sect temple founded in the early Heian period. The wooden seated Buddha statue, carved in the 1990s, is one of the largest wooden Buddha statues in Japan at over 10 meters tall.

Beneath the statue, a dim corridor called the Gates of Hell and Paradise leads visitors through complete darkness meant to represent the underworld before emerging into light — a small but memorable experience distinct from just viewing the statue itself.

Fukuoka Great Buddha FAQs

Is the Great Buddha old?

No, the current wooden statue was completed in 1992, though it sits within a much older temple, Tochoji, founded around 806.

What is the underground passage?

A dark corridor beneath the statue called the Gates of Hell and Paradise that visitors walk through by feeling the wall, said to purify those who complete it.

Is there a fee?

Temple grounds are generally free to enter; a small donation is expected to access the underground gallery.

How long does a visit take?

About 20-30 minutes.

Is photography allowed?

Photography of the statue itself is typically restricted inside the hall; check posted signs on site.

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