Tochoji Temple (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Tochoji Temple?
What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: Bean-throwing at Setsubun and spinning the sutra wheel entertain children, yet there is no playground, many stone steps demand supervision, and restrooms lack child-friendly fixtures.
Positives:
- Interactive Elements: Kids can spin the sutra wheel and join bean-throwing at seasonal events.
- Photo Opportunities: The giant Buddha and red pagoda offer memorable backdrops for family photos.
Challenges:
- Uneven Terrain: Gravel paths and stone steps require close supervision of younger children.
- Stroller Access: Many steps and rough paths make strollers difficult; use a child carrier if possible.
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 Japan’s largest wooden Buddha up close
- Let children spin the historic sutra wheel
- Explore ancient carvings in the Treasure Exhibition Hall
- Enjoy seasonal activities like bean-throwing and cherry-blossom picnics
- Capture family photos by the red pagoda
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Gives time to see the Great Buddha, spin the sutra wheel, explore the exhibition, and let kids take breaks.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Tochoji Temple
Marvel at the Great Buddha:
Stand beneath the 10.8 m wooden Fukuoka Daibutsu and count the 5,000 small Buddhas on its light back.
Tip: Have kids look for a hidden seated Buddha high on the back wall for a fun photo hunt.
Spin the Rokkaku-dō Sutra Wheel:
Turn the six-sided sutra wheel three times to gain wisdom and good luck.
Tip: Encourage each child to make a silent wish before each full rotation.
Explore the Treasure Exhibition Hall:
View Heian-era carvings, including the national-treasure bodhisattva from a single pine tree.
Tip: Use the English placards to point out the thousand-armed Avalokitesvara details to kids.
Stroll by the Five-story Pagoda:
Walk around the red-painted pagoda and spot its hexagonal altar doors with ancient calligraphy.
Tip: Ask kids to name all the shapes they see on the pagoda walls.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Tochoji Temple
- Buy Combined Tickets: Get the hall and Buddha tickets together to save time in line.
- Arrive Early: Visit before 10 AM to enjoy quieter grounds and clear photo spots.
- Pack Snacks and Water: There are no food stalls inside; bring light snacks and drinks for kids.
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)?
Early February: Join free Setsubun bean-throwing and let kids catch sweets. Late March–early April: Picnic under temple cherry blossoms. October–November: Visit after dusk for autumn-leaf illumination.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Combined admission tickets (4 persons) | JPY 3,600 |
| Optional Setsubun fukubiki (per ticket) | JPY 2,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,600 |
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
+81 92-291-445910 BEST nearby Activities
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