If you are after a spot in Dazaifu that isn’t flooded with tourists, Kanzeon-ji (観世音寺), west of Dazaifu Station, is an ideal place to visit. In addition to the spectacular scenery at the Remains of Dazaifu Government Office (太宰府政庁跡), you will definitely be impressed by the Buddha statues over 5 meters tall! Moreover, there are a couple of ancient items in the precinct!
About Kanzeon-ji
Kanzeon-ji was founded by Emperor Tenji (天智天皇) to pray for his mother. The construction was completed in 746 after he decided to build the temple. It was the biggest temple in Western Japan at the time.
As the temple bell is the oldest in Japan, it was designated as a national treasure. Apparently, Dazaifu Tenman-gū‘s main god used to listen to the sound produced by this bell after he was demoted to Dazaifu!
However, please head to Kyushu National Museum to see the bell. After all, it needs protection to prevent it from further weathering (^_-)-☆.
The building at the end of the approach is the Kōdō Hall (講堂). It was reconstructed in 1688, and was where monks advocated Buddhism. As the most magnificent temple in Kanzeon-ji, it is clear that Kōdō is the center of the temple and the reason that Buddhism flourished in the area.
Left to the Kōdō is the Kondō Hall (金堂). It was completed in 1631 with the assistance of the Kuroda Domain (黒田藩).
When you stroll around the temple, you might encounter several large stones buried on the ground. They were the cornerstones that used to support the pillars of the building that once stood there.
The largest cornerstones are the ones that were once part of a five-story pagoda (refer to the Instagram post). These foundation stones can be found all over the temple grounds, giving us an idea of the former scale of Kanzeon-ji Temple. Apparently, Kanzeon-ji used to have as many as 49 sub-temples at its peak!
In addition to having Japan’s oldest temple bell, the country’s oldest stone mill (Tengan, 碾磑) can also be found at Kanzeon-ji. Not only is it the oldest in Japan, but the huge stone mill also has a diameter of nearly one meter! It is said that the stone mill in front of the Kōdō Hall was shipped from China. Instead of grinding wheat or other grains, it was used to make paint to color pillars at temples and shrines!
Kanseon-ji’s Treasure Hall/Museum
As you proceed to the east side of Kanzeon-ji’s grounds, a huge traditional-style concrete storage facility will come into view. It is the temple’s museum where most Buddha statues from the Heian to the Kamakura period are stored. While photography is prohibited inside the museum, it is open to the general public. What will definitely catch your attention are the three giant Kannon statues (Hayagriva (馬頭観音), Amoghapasa (不空羂索観音), and Eleven-faced Kannon (十一面観音)) on the second floor. They are made between the 11th and 13th centuries, and each is over five meters tall! It is hard not to be overwhelmed by their magnificence and divinity. Instinctively, your hands will join together.
Throughout the museum, there are many large and small Buddhist statues and other temple treasures on display. These cultural treasures are said to be some of the finest in Kyūshū.
The Four Seasons at Kanseon-ji
Large camphor trees surround the temple grounds. Wisterias, hydrangeas, and autumn leaves also add colors to the precinct.
- Kanzeon-ji’s wisteria season is from mid to late April.
- The cosmos blooms from mid-October to early November.
- The flowers of the Chinese tallow trees can be seen in November.
- Kanzeon-ji’s fall foliage season is from mid to late November.
Kanzeon-ji’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Kanzeon-ji’s Treasure Hall/Museum is open from 9 am to 5 pm.
- The last admission is at 4:30 pm.
- The admission fee to the museum is
- 600 yen for adults
- 400 yen for senior high school and university students
- 150 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- Kanzeon-ji is a 10-minute walk from Nishitetsu-Gojō Station (西鉄五条駅) or a 20-minute walk from Dazaifu Station (太宰府駅) or Tofurō-mae Station (都府楼前駅).
- You can also take the community bus Mahoroba-gō (まほろば号) and get off at Kanzeonji-mae (観世音寺前).
- Refer to HERE for the bus timetable.
- You can also use one of Japan’s Transport Apps to plan your visit.
- Another option by bus is by taking Nishitetsu Bus and get off at Dazaifu Shiyakushomae (太宰府市役所前). The temple is the a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
- If the weather is good, you can rent a bicycle from Nishitetsu’s Dazaifu Station or Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station (西鉄二日市駅). It takes around 15 minutes to travel between Dazaifu Tenman-gū and Kanzeon-ji.
Discover Other Attractions in Dazaifu
Among the popular tourist destinations near Fukuoka City, Dazaifu tops the list. The city that is filled with cultural and historical spots is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city. Apart from Dazaifu Tenman-gū and Kanzeon-ji, there are a couple more beautiful gardens in the city and hiking trails leading to panoramic views!
For more information, refer to our article on Dazaifu!
