Isn’t it remarkable that we’re standing before Shoryuji Temple? It is a serene beacon of Zen Buddhism right here in Fukuoka. Shoryuji Temple belongs to the Rinzai school Myoshin-ji branch. This makes it a vital part of Japan’s Zen heritage.
Shoryuji Temple’s story begins with Eisai. He was the founder of Japan’s Rinzai school. In 1195, Eisai returned from Sung China. Minamoto no Yoritomo supported him. Yoritomo gave Eisai land to build a temple. This land was once the site of Hyaku-do. Hyaku-do was a chapel for Chinese expats in Hakata.
Construction finished in 1204. Emperor Go-Toba even provided calligraphy for the Sanmon gate. Shoryuji Temple became Japan’s first full-fledged Zen temple. It also became a Zen dojo.
At its peak, Shoryuji Temple included 38 sub-temples and chapels. It was the central temple of Hakata. A market town named “Kannai” grew within the temple grounds. Some modern Hakata place names still reflect this settlement. These names include Fugendo, Nakakoji, and Uomachi. Shoryuji Temple also hosted the Chinzei Bugyo. This was the shogunate’s official representative for Kyushu. Bilingual monks aided diplomatic talks.
However, Shoryuji Temple faced setbacks. Fire destroyed it in 1563 during the Sengoku period. It was revived in 1570 only to be destroyed again in 1574. In 1587, Toyotomi Hideyoshi reduced the temple’s area. Kobayakawa Takakage donated more land. This helped rebuild many structures. Further land was donated by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1595 and Kuroda Nagamasa in 1600.
Initially, Shoryuji Temple was independent. After Eisai opened Kennin-ji in Kyoto it joined the Kennin-ji sect. Later, Kuroda Nagamasa made it a Myoshinji sect temple. It remains so today.
Notice the Sanmon gate before us. Legend says it was moved from Najima Castle. The Chokushimon, or Imperial Envoy Gate, was renovated in 1827. The Kannon-do was rebuilt in 1911. The Shoro Bell Tower dates back to 1589. It was renovated in 1759. A bronze Korean bell once hung here. It was an important cultural property until 1976. The Butsu-den was rebuilt in 1587. It underwent renovations from 2012 to 2014. The Hojo was moved from Hizen Nagoya Castle in 1601 by Kuroda Nagamasa. It saw major renovations in 1845, 1930 and 1987. The Kuri was built in 1589 and renovated in 1909 and 1968. The Zendo was relocated from Keiko-in sub-temple in 1802. The Kyozo, built in 1682, is a tangible folk cultural property of Fukuoka Prefecture. The Kaizan-do is located in the Gosho-in sub-temple. The cemetery holds graves of Prime Minister Koki Hirota and politician Taketora Ogata.
As we conclude our visit to Shoryuji Temple reflect on its long history. From its founding by Eisai to its role as a Zen center. Shoryuji Temple stands as a testament to Fukuoka’s rich cultural heritage and zen buddhism.