Tochoji Temple was first founded in 806 by Kobo Daishi (774-835)—the founder of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, a form of esoteric Buddhism—and a very famous high priest in Japan.
It it also the first temple he founded.
It houses the Fukuoka Daibutsu, the largest wooden seated statue of Shaka Nyorai in Japan.
Made from Japanese cypress, it is 10.8 meters high and weighs 30 tons, giving it a powerful presence.
However, it was completed in 1992, making it a rather youngster for a Buddha statue.
Inside the pedestal of the Fukuoka Daibutsu, there is a “hell and heaven tour” that allows visitors to simulate experiences of hell and heaven, which is quite interesting.
There is also a beautiful five-storied pagoda with a vivid vermilion color. All are made from Japanese cypress and are 26 meters high.
Completed in 2011, as a five-storied pagoda it’s a baby.
On the 28th of every month, the hexagonal hall is opened to the public (unveiling Buddhist images), and the six Buddhist statues housed inside are on display.
