Sofukuji Temple (崇福寺）

This temple was built during the early Tokugawa Period by the Chinese monk Chaonian in 1629 for Chinese residents of Nagasaki, and houses two National Treasures and several Important Cultural Properties. Sofukuji belongs to the Obaku school of Japanese Zen Buddhism.

It is distinct in that the architecture is Chinese rather than Japanese, demonstrating some rare foreign influence in Japan during its period of isolation, especially considering its designation as a National Treasure.

A photo gallery of this temple can be viewed here.

Carving inside Sofukuji Temple

Websites: http://www.at-nagasaki.jp/foreign/english/spot/018.html

View Larger Map

BACK TO NAGASAKI POST 

BACK TO HISTORICAL PLACES TO VISIT INDEX


Comment on what you could learn related to what you have studied about Edo and Meiji Japan.