Ankokuji Zen Temple in Fukuoka City

Where the candy-buying ghost sleeps with her baby

Haruka Saijo Dec 04, 2013 - 1 min read

The beautifully detailed carvings along the roof protecting the bell

The Deva Kings of this temple are one of the best collections in Western Japan

Legend says that the women who was buried pregnant here became a ghost and went to buy candies for her baby to feed it

The monks clean the temple on a daily basis

You can see the amazing stripes in the sand—a common design for Japanese gardens

You've got to admit that seeing monks with hoses is a rare scene

Just a block from Ark Hotel Royal in the busy streets of Tenjin, near the nightlife of Oyafuko-dori, lies Ankokuji Zen Temple. Originally located in Nakatsu in Oita, the temple was moved to Fukuoka City when the feudal lord expanded his territory. This temple is mostly known for the tomb of the legendary ‘candy-buying ghost’ and the largest bell of all temples in the city. Visit Ankokuji and not only will you be able to check out these two attractions, but you will also feel calm and soothed in the middle of the city.

Haruka Saijo @haruka.saijo

A Japanese university student that used to live in Canada, not so Japanese, loves traveling, enjoys experiencing anything new and exciting, and has passion for music.