What to know
Sofukuji Temple (崇福寺, Sōfukuji) is an Obaku Zen Buddhist temple in Nagasaki. Built in 1629 for the city's Chinese community, it features Chinese architectural styles that set it apart from typical Japanese temples.
The temple climbs a hillside, starting with the two-story entrance gate called Ryugumon (Gate of the Dragon Palace). Painted vivid red, the gate was first erected in 1673 but has been rebuilt several times after fires and storms; the current version dates from 1849.
Higher up, the inner grounds house several halls and notable artifacts, including statues and a temple bell from 1647. The Buddha Hall was designed and carved in China, then shipped to Nagasaki and assembled in 1646, making it one of the city's oldest structures. English descriptions are available throughout the atmospheric grounds.
Sofukuji Temple is a short walk from the Sofukuji tram stop, the final stop on tram lines 1 and 4.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- 8:00 to 17:00
- Closed
- No closing days
- Admission
- 300 yen (~$1.92)
- English name
- Original name
- Sofukuji Temple
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.