Shofukuji Temple

Zen Buddhism was followed in early Japan and there are still many followers of this form of Mahayana Buddhism in modern Japan. In Japan, there is more than one school of Zen Buddhism. They are Soto, Rinzai and Obaku, but the first one is the largest school and the last one, the smallest school. Both Rinzai and Soto schools came in to existence in the thirteenth century, but Obaku came in to existence in the 17th century. Japan has several Zen temples and these temples are spread over all the Japanese islands. Kyushu Island has some very beautiful Zen temples, in this context one has to mention Shofukuji Temple in Fukuoka.

To reach Shofukuji Temple, you will have to walk for five minutes from Hakata Station. Shofukuji Temple is a place where you bow down your head in reverence and connect with your inner soul, the moment you enter the temple you are far removed from the world. This temple still has people coming here to pray and is regarded as the oldest Zen temple in Japan. It has many quiet walks and sheltered gardens. You will feel that you have stepped back in time. Shofukuji Temple belongs to the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. The temple was founded in 1195AD by Eisai-Myoan (1141AD-1215AD), a priest. It has several important artifacts including personal possessions of the priest and noted sumi-e artist Sengai.

This oldest Zen temple of Shofukuji in Japan was founded at the command of Minamoto Yoritomo. The priest Eisai-Myoan had brought Zen Buddhism to Japan from the Court of the Sung Dynasty in China and is also credited to have brought tea to Japan. One very beautiful feature of this temple is the bronze bell of Korean type.

Hotels in Fukuoka
Sunlife 2.3 Hotel	Toyo Hotel
Comfort Hakata Hotel	Hakata Park Hotel
Mitsui Urban Hotel	Sky Court Hakata Hotel