Unzen Miyazaki Ryokan

Sofukuji Temple is an Obaku-sect temple founded in 1629 (Kan’ei 6). It is a Fuzhou-style temple established by the Tang monk Choran, who was invited by Chinese residents living in Japan. With its traditional, dazzling architecture reminiscent of the Ming dynasty, it is a masterpiece of late Ming culture built by Chinese craftsmen and is considered the oldest Chinese-style architecture in Japan. The Daiichi Mineimon Gate and the Daioho-den Hall are designated as National Treasures of Japan. In addition, the temple holds five nationally designated Important Cultural Properties, four prefecturally designated Tangible Cultural Properties, and ten city-designated Tangible Cultural Properties. Together with Kofukuji and Fukusaiji in Nagasaki City, it is known as one of the “Nagasaki Three Fukujis,” and it is also one of the city’s four Chinese temples. The temple enshrines the Mazu Hall, honoring the sea deity and praying for safe voyages. Access by car: about 20 minutes from the Nagasaki Expressway “Nagasaki IC” via the Nagasaki Dejima Road. By public transportation, take the tram from JR Nagasaki Station (Nagasaki Station-mae stop) on Line 1 bound for Sofukuji for about 12 minutes, get off at “Sofukuji” stop, then walk about 3 minutes.