There is also a lantern-making experience, surrounded by a solemn atmosphere.
Teramachi Street is where two shrines and 2 temples stand in a row. If you walk down Teramachi Street from the main Lantern Festival venue, you will eventually arrive at another venue, Kofuku-ji Temple. Unlike the other vibrant and lively venues, a stroll down Teramachi Street is a relaxing and quiet place. This may also be a special "lantern experience"!
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Experience the "Kofuku" at Kofukuji Temple, which can only be visited at night during the Lantern Festival
Compared to other Nagasaki Lantern Festival venues, Kofuku-ji Temple has a dignified and quiet atmosphere. And it's no wonder. Kofuku-ji Temple, along with the Meganebashi Bridge that serves as the approach to the temple, are designated as Important Cultural Properties by the national government. Special nighttime viewing is available only during the Lantern Festival. The temple grounds and main hall, fantastically illuminated by the lantern lights, are well worth seeing. Also, pay attention to the large 400-year-old cycad tree. The fruit that falls from this tree is heart-shaped and is also called the "seed of happiness," and is said to bring good luck in finding a partner, finding a good partner, and having children. If you find one, you can take home just one! If you visit during the day, you can enjoy matcha tea while looking out at the garden, or a rare Chinese-style vegetarian meal, fucha cuisine (reservations are required for groups of 10 or more).
1. It is said to be Japan's first Chinese temple, opened in 1620 by the Chinese monk Shinen, and is characterized by its curved roof, which is different from Japanese temples.
2. Kofukuji Temple is affectionately known to locals as the "Red Temple" due to its vermilion mountain gate. Don't miss this rare chance to see the Red Temple lit up at night.
3. There is also a large lantern sculpture standing next to the main hall entrance.
4. The lapis lazuli lantern hanging in the main hall is the largest lantern in the Orient and the pride of Nagasaki. It is 2.18m tall and 1.31m wide, and is an important cultural property of Nagasaki City that has been lit for about 400 years since the temple was founded. It is decorated with 48 bats, which are considered to ward off evil in China.
5. Near the main gate is the monk Ingen, the founder of the Obaku sect! As his name suggests, he brought kidney beans to Japan, which is why the temple takes its name. He is also said to have brought the mokugyo (wooden fish) and Ming-style font to Japan.
6. On either side of the gate are the lantern statues of "Clairvoyance" and "Wind-eared" who are said to protect Mazu, the patron deity of navigation and fishing.
7. Please also take a look at the 400-year-old cycad tree that stands tall in the center of the temple grounds. It exudes a powerful sense of vitality and miraculous power.
8. Cycad fruit is heart-shaped and called "seeds of happiness." It is said that if you find one, you will be blessed with good luck in finding a partner, finding a good partner, and having children. If you find one, you can take one home with you!
Higashimeizan Kofukuji Temple
〒850-0872 4-32 Teramachi, Nagasaki City
Phone: 095-822-1076
web: http://kofukuji.com/
In addition to the Spectacles Bridge, which was built over the Nakajima River as the approach to Kofuku-ji Temple, there are so many other stone bridges along the approach to Teramachi!
At Kofukuji Temple, where the hydrangeas are beautiful, the Hydrangea Festival is held from the end of May to the beginning of June.
"Heyfuri Hill" is a hill with a misleading name on Teramachi Street, where Kofukuji Temple is located.
