Zuiouan

Nestled in a pocket of profound tranquility that makes you forget the bustle of Hakata, Zuiouan is a sub-temple of Shofukuji, which is renowned as Japan’s very first Zen temple. Founded in 1331 by Priest Hongen, the 16th chief priest of Shofukuji, Zuiouan carries a rich history spanning nearly 700 years into the present day.

The temple grounds are dotted with precious historical landmarks that whisper tales of the centuries gone by. Among them, the "Kane-Jizo" (Gold Jizo Bodhisattva) is a hidden gem that attracts visitors from afar. Legend has it that this statue was unearthed alongside gold during past cemetery renovations, and it is now widely revered for bringing financial fortune and good luck.

Other highlights include the "Christian Stone Lantern," a designated cultural property of Fukuoka City, and the "Mongol Invasion Anchor Stone," both of which silently recount the complex history of Hakata. Towering camphor and ginkgo trees, designated as protected trees by the city, envelop the temple in lush greenery. In front of the main hall, the beautiful gravel patterns of the Karesansui (dry landscape) garden create a serene, dignified atmosphere that gently guides visitors' minds to a state of inner peace and nothingness ("Mu").

Goshuin (Sacred Stamps): Zuiouan offers three types of Goshuin.
If the staff is not present in the Main Hall, please kindly ring the bell at the entrance.

HAND-WRITTEN DIRECTLY INTO YOUR BOOK / 500 YEN

A Goshuin featuring the name of Zuiouan’s principal deity, the Crowned Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva.

HAND-WRITTEN DIRECTLY INTO YOUR BOOK / 500 YEN

Gold has been excavated from the grounds of Zuiouan on three separate occasions in the past. The Jizo statue that was unearthed alongside the gold is affectionately called "Kane-Jizo." Many people visit to pray here, as it is believed to bring good luck in wealth and financial fortune. We hand-write each stamp with prayers so that the blessings of Kane-Jizo will reach the recipient. This is our most popular Goshuin and comes with a handmade origami wealth amulet.

Pre-written paper / 500 yen

A Goshuin featuring the name of Zuiouan’s principal deity, the Crowned Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva (provided on a pre-written sheet of paper).

Please feel free to offer your prayers here.
The principal image of worship at Zuiouan is the Crowned Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva.

The 33 Kannon Statues of Zuiouan originate from the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage (a famous pilgrimage of 33 Buddhist temples).

It is believed that Kannon Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of Compassion) transforms into 33 different manifestations to save people, always watching over us with profound mercy no matter what hardships we may face.

Furthermore, the origin of Goshuin (sacred temple stamps) dates back to the Buddhist monk Tokudo Shonin, the founder of the pilgrimage. According to legend, he received a divine decree from King Enma (the ruler of the underworld) along with 33 sacred seals, which marked the beginning of this sacred tradition.

— From the Nishinippon Shimbun Newspaper: "Gold Sheets and Coins Found in Underground Urns"

In the late winter of 1698, Hakata was abuzz with big news. While digging a grave at Zuiouan, a sub-temple of Shofukuji, an underground urn containing gold and silver items was discovered. Kaibara Ekiken, a Confucian scholar of the Fukuoka Domain, documented this event in detail in his book Chikuzen-no-kuni Zokufudoki. Gold and silver artifacts, along with lacquerware and ceramics, were further unearthed in 1716 and 1723. The melted gold totaled about 20 kg and the silver about 40 kg—treasures worth hundreds of millions of yen in today's value. These items were likely burial goods belonging to Song Dynasty merchants who lived here before Shofukuji was founded. The unearthed treasures were used to fund the restoration of the temple. The "Gold Sheet" currently on display is not from that original discovery, but from a later excavation, and the "Ichibukin" coin is currency from the Edo period. However, imagining that more gold and silver treasures might still sleep beneath the temple grounds is truly thrilling.

The Christian Stone Lantern is a Fukuoka City cultural property that proves the historical presence of "Kakure Kirishitan" (hidden Christians) in Hakata. Although only the pedestal remains today, its shape forms a cross, and the center features a carving that can be interpreted as either a Buddhist deity or Jesus Christ.

Upon close inspection of the Mongol Invasion Anchor Stone, you can notice grooves on the lower left and right sides. These were likely designed to secure the anchor with ropes. It is highly possible that this stone was used by the Yuan (Mongol) fleet during the two attempted invasions of Japan, though it may also have belonged to Chinese merchant ships from the Song Dynasty that frequently visited Hakata since the Heian period.

Zuiouan hosts a monthly Zazen session on the third Thursday of every month, from 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM.

Thanks to our convenient location near Hakata Station, our sessions are regularly attended by office workers before their commute, domestic travelers, and visitors from overseas. If you would like to experience Zazen, please sign up by phone at least one day in advance.

Take Exit 1 of Gion Station to reach street level. Proceed down Gokusho-dori Street toward Shofukuji Temple. (Please note that this street is a one-way road if you are coming by car.)

Zuiouan is located beyond the Shofukuji Sanmon Gate, toward the back left side, just past the stone monument inscribed with a poem by Juzo Kagoshima.

Please feel free to come in and offer your prayers. Admission is free.

6-2 Gokosho-machi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka, 812-0037

Phone: 092-291-4159 (Within Japan) / +81-92-291-4159 (International)

Transportation & Access

A 5-minute walk from Gion Station (Fukuoka City Subway Kuko Line)
A 15-minute walk from JR Hakata Station
A 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Bus Stop "Gion-machi" or "Okunodo"

By Car: Take the "Gofukumachi" or "Chiyo" exit on the Fukuoka Urban Expressway.