Sofuku-ji Temple

Introduction

Sofuku-ji was founded in 1629 by Chinese merchants from Fuzhou in Fujian who invited the monk Chaoran from China, which is why it is also called the Fuzhou temple, in contrast to Kofuku-ji's Nanjing temple. It is widely regarded as Japan's oldest Chinese-style temple. Beyond the vermilion dragon-palace gate, almost everything speaks of late-Ming and early-Qing China. The Daiippo-mon, or First Peak Gate, is a National Treasure whose densely bracketed, brightly painted timbers were prefabricated in Ningbo and shipped here for reassembly in 1696. The Daiyu-ho-den main hall, also a National Treasure, was built in 1646 from Chinese materials with a single roof, later given an upper storey in Japanese style, so comparing the two levels shows Chinese architecture taking root in Japan. The temple holds two National Treasures and five Important Cultural Properties, plus a bell-and-drum tower and a protective hall; bats, peonies and peaches carved as auspicious motifs reward a slow look. A Mazu hall enshrining the guardian of seafarers is a shared feature of Nagasaki's Chinese temples, and this is the only one in Japan preserved together with its gateway, a direct record of the China trade that made the port. Statues and ritual objects came from Chinese craftsmen. A long stone stair climbs from the ticket desk to the main buildings, so allow 30 to 60 minutes.

✨ Highlights

🛈 Practical Info