“Want to find a temple with a connection to ancient tombs and samurai reverence?” That’s what brings us to Kōshū-ji. This Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple has a fascinating past.
Kōshū-ji was rebuilt in 1693. Tandō Chōzen, a priest from Chōden-ji, oversaw the reconstruction. The temple wasn’t always in its current location. Originally, Kōshū-ji was in Kumade Village. This village is now part of Kitakyūshū. It was initially associated with Ryūshō-ji. However, it was abandoned for a time. Tandō Chōzen took over and moved it south of the castle to Terazuka.
Legend says Kuroda Nagamasa wanted to use stones from the temple. He wanted them to build Fukuoka Castle. But Kannon appeared in his dream. Kannon told him to stop. Nagamasa then found a Kannon image carved in one of the stones. He stopped his construction and built a worship hall on the temple grounds instead.
Anakannon is an ancient tomb on the temple grounds. It is located on the right side of the hill. It dates back to the late Kofun period in the 6th century. The tomb has a double-chambered stone chamber. This chamber opens to the south. Amitābha is carved at the back. Kannon and Mahasthamaprapta are on either side. Its creator and date are unknown. It is called Anakannon because of its form.
Many burial mounds were in the Terazuka area. Some stones from these mounds were taken. They were used in the construction of Fukuoka Castle.
In 1935, Zenjirō Kihara created replicas of the graves of the Forty-Seven Rōnin here. Kihara wanted to inspire youth and promote national consciousness. These replicas mirror the graves at Sengaku-ji in Tokyo. Every year on December 14, Kōshū-ji holds a festival. This festival commemorates the 47 Rōnin.
As you explore Kōshū-ji consider the layers of history. Tombs, samurai, and Zen Buddhism all converge in this unique space. The temple offers a serene escape and a tangible link to Fukuoka’s past.