Tocho-ji (Photo: Tony Mariani)

Tochoji Temple in Hakata

Temple established by Buddhist monk Kukai in 806

Tony Mariani   - 1 min read

It is said that Tocho-ji (東長寺) was dedicated to the Buddhist saint Kukai who built it in 806. In the temple cemetery Tadayuki (the second lord of the Kuroda clan in the Edo period [1602-1654]), Mitsuyuki (the third lord [1628-1707]) and Harutaka (the eighth lord [1754-1782]) are interred. They were originally buried in this temple and are still there. The latter Heian period (794-1185) wooden statue of Kannon inside the temple is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property, as are the hexagonal building and graves at the city-designated level. Furthermore, the temple also contains the largest seated wooden statue of Buddha in Japan.

Tony Mariani

Tony Mariani @tony.mariani

An American married to a lovely woman from Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture. I first visited Japan in 1995 on business and have loved Japan and the Japanese since then. When in Japan, live like the Japanese and embrace their culture with respect and admiration.