Beneath unassuming facade lies a secret. The secret of the Baihi Temple or \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa. This temple has a story that intertwines Zen Buddhism and hidden Christian history.
Welcome to \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa. It is a serene temple in Fukuoka. It stands as a testament to the area’s rich and complex past.
\u767d\u6beb\u5bfa is a temple of the Rinzai school. It is part of the Daide Temple sect. Peak Zuiitsu Sookan is credited as its founder. He carried on the teachings of Daio Kokushi. Daio Kokushi founded Kohtoku Temple.
The temple is near Meinohama’s old Karatsu Highway. It is slightly off the main road. A short walk from the Meinohama shopping center leads to the \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa.
Now for the twist \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa is not just a Zen temple. It also holds Christian historical significance. The Catholic Archdiocese of Fukuoka says \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa was once a sub-temple of Kohtoku Temple. It became independent.
In 1962 something remarkable happened. A cross was unearthed in the temple’s bamboo grove. Children who saw it wanted to take it home. Their mother reported it to officials fearing trouble. The cross went from Kuroda clan hands to Nagasaki authorities. At the time the temple was named Enpuku Temple.
Meinohama had a Christian village in the 1560s. In 1587 Jesuits like Vice-Provincial Coelho and Father Frois stayed for a week. This is according to Frois’s History of Japan.
Inside \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa you will find interesting details. To the left of the main hall is a small shrine.
This shrine houses Ojizoo statues. Each statue has unique hand gestures. Ask the priest about the meaning. It is a unique cultural insight.
Look closely at the temple’s roof tiles. The demon tiles show waves and turban shells. The gate also features demon tiles. These tiles display a family crest and the character “white”. This is “Bai” in \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa.
As you leave \u767d\u6beb\u5bfa consider its dual identity. It is both a Zen temple and a place with Christian history. This unique blend reflects Fukuoka’s diverse heritage. It shows how different threads can weave together. They create a compelling story.