Hakata Temple and Shrine town

The Hakata Temple and Shrine Town is located within walking distance of JR

Hakata Station. Here, you can immerse yourself in the ambience of traditional

Japanese culture. The area’s history dates back to the 7th century, when

Japan dispatched cultural and political missions to China. It later prospered

as the heart of Hakata, which was Japan’s largest trading port city at the time.

This historic district features numerous cultural treasures, including Tochoji

Temple, Kushida Shrine, Jotenji Temple, Shofukuji Temple, and Engakuji

Temple. Notably, Shofukuji is Japan’s first Zen temple, and Tochoji is the

first Shingon temple. Surprisingly, Hakata is also the birthplace of many

Japanese culinary staples, such as Udon and Soba noodles, Manju

(steamed buns), Uiro (steamed rice cakes), and even green tea—a fact

that remains relatively unknown to many.