Walking Fukuoka's temple street

In the afternoon, we went sightseeing to the Gokushomachi (御供所町) area in Hakata-ku Ward which is the largest historic district of Fukuoka.

First, we visited the Shofukuji (聖福寺) Temple. It was founded by Eisai with support from Minamoto no Yoritomo, and construction was completed in 1195, making it the oldest Zen temple in Japan.

The Daiyuhouden (大雄宝殿) honden or the main hall. It was rebuilt recently, but it is unknown.

Next we took a short walk to Tocho-ji (東長寺) Temple. It was founded by Kūkai with support from Tadayuki Kuroda, the second lord of Fukuoka province, and construction was completed in 806, making it the oldest Shingon temple in Kyushu.

A noteworthy sight to see is Fukuoka Daibutsu (福岡大仏) or the Great Buddha statue in the second floor of the Buddhist hall. The statue is 10.8 meters in height and 30 tons in weight. This is the largest statue of a seated Buddha among the ones in Japan.

The beautiful five-story pagoda. It is 23 meters in height. The pagoda, using all Japanese cypress wood, was completed in the Spring of 2011.