Tochoji Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Tochoji Temple?
What makes it 68% Kids-Friendly: Children can enjoy bean-throwing at Setsubun and spinning the sutra wheel, yet gravel paths, many steps, and no play area or kid toilets require close supervision and shorten stays.
Positives:
- Easy access: 5-minute walk from Gion Station makes arrival simple.
- Hands-on learning: Kids can spin the wheel and learn about sutras.
Challenges:
- Uneven paths: Gravel and stone steps require holding young children’s hands.
- Limited seating: Few benches around the main hall mean carry a small stool if needed.
What is Tochoji Temple?
- A Heian-period Shingon Buddhist temple founded by Kobo Daishi and serving as the head temple of the Kyushu sect
- Home to a national treasure–designated, thousand-armed Kannon statue carved from a single pine tree and a 10.8-meter wooden Fukuoka Daibutsu
- Architectural complex that includes a five-story pagoda, hexagonal Rokkaku-dō hall, and a treasure exhibition hall preserving ancient carvings and artifacts
What is so special about Tochoji Temple for with kids?
- See a 10.8m wooden Great Buddha up close.
- Kids spin the Rokkaku-dō sutra wheel for good luck.
- Explore 5,000 small Buddha statues in the Treasure Hall.
- Join seasonal bean-throwing and cherry blossom picnics.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Families need time to explore the halls and spin wheels without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Tochoji Temple
Great Buddha Hall visit:
See the 10.8m tall wooden Fukuoka Daibutsu.
Tip: Take photos from the front plaza; low lighting inside highlights its size.
Spin Rokkaku-dō sutra wheel:
Turn the six-sided scripture wheel for good luck.
Tip: Let each child spin three times for a fun ritual.
Explore Treasure Exhibition Hall:
View 5,000 small Buddha statues on the back wall.
Tip: Kids enjoy counting the tiny figures; use the English labels for guidance.
Five-story Pagoda:
Walk around the red hexagonal pagoda built in 1842.
Tip: Snap a family photo on the west side where light hits most.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tochoji Temple
- Arrive early: Get there at 9:00 when it opens to avoid midday crowds.
- Carry water and snacks: Vending machines are outside; bring snacks for children inside.
Reviews of Tochoji Temple
Hà Minh Dũng
peaceful. they have a huge buddha (no photo allow, but on goshuin yes) which made in 4 years. a very huge and good smell one
Ricky Chan
Peaceful temple in the city center, especially the wooden Buddha inside the building, 10m high wood craft buddha in front of you make you supplies, Solemn.
Derek OKeeffe
After spending the day walking around crowded Dazaifu I came here by chance about 4pm. It was quiet. Personally i found this temple more impressive than the Dazaifu shrine. There is a giant indoor Buddha and behind it an art installation depicting hell using an old Buddhist scroll with progressively worse depictions of hell and a dark-room which was actually pretty scary. By chance there was a wed...
Chern Kiat Meng and Chern Lieh Yen
A nice temple with a peaceful atmosphere. Candles and incense can be offered on the first floor main hall for a small offering. There’s a big and impressive wooden Buddha statue on the second floor. There’s also a hallway with paintings to illustrate the hell and pure realms at the base of the statue. Entrance fee to the second storey hall is reasonable at 50 yen.
Quincy Lui
This is a very sacred Buddhist temple with a Buddha on second floor. If you are Buddhist it is highly recommend. The exhibit underneath the statue was the first I had experienced. The shrine at the side of the main temple has big mala beads which you can touch for blessing.
When is the best time to visit Tochoji Temple (Fukuoka, Japan)?
Visit in early February for Setsubun bean-throwing, where kids catch beans and sweets. In late March to early April, enjoy cherry blossom picnics under temple trees.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 4 x Combined ticket (Great Buddha Hall + Treasure Exhibition) | JPY 3,600 |
| 4 x Temple stamp (goshuin) | JPY 1,200 |
| Family snacks and drinks | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 5,600 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Tochoji Temple
Address: 2-4 Gokushomachi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0037, Japan
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About Tochoji Temple
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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