“Many temples share a name” you might think as you stand before Daitsū-ji. Yet this one holds a unique story. It’s a Buddhist temple of the Nichiren sect in Fukuoka.
Daitsū-ji stands between Kinryu-ji and Gokoku Hachimangu. A stone pillar marks its entrance. It reads Nichiren Sect Daitsū-ji.
Walk along the long path. You will soon reach the mountain gate. Passing through this gate brings you face to face with the temple office. Look closely. You may notice the carvings.
Next to the temple office stands the main hall. The mountain name Gokutoku-san is written on the plaque.
Before the main hall stands a perpetual供養tower. The mountain gate’s鬼瓦also have unique shapes. Piles of 沢山のstones surround a stone pagoda. A stone Buddha stands next to the pagoda.
Daitsū-ji has ties to Fukuoka clan lord Kuroda Nagamasa. It was originally in Toyomae Province. When Kuroda Nagamasa moved to Fukuoka it moved too.
Initially it was named 長福寺. It was located in the 材木町. Later it moved to its current location. The temple changed its name to Daitsū-ji in 1717. The ninth Shogun Tokugawa Ieshige had 長福as a childhood name. This name change avoided conflict.
The temple grounds lack historical writings. So some details remain unclear. Still Daitsū-ji offers an interesting visit. It is a peaceful place amidst the city.