Shofukuji Temple

Every day we take Taihaku dori from Hakata station to the International building where sumo is held. We usually walk the distance - it's perhaps a couple kilometers - but if we're in a hurry there are frequent busses that run the length of the street.

Located a block from Taihaku dori at around Gionmachi is Shofukuji temple. It was one of many temples we happened across during our early days of wandering Fukuoka. It's a zen temple. And it's active, though the active parts are well secluded from the visitor parts.

The temple grounds are quite popular with locals. On our first and subsequent visits, we've said hello to many folks using the grounds for walking, running and jogging. The temple isn't large, but it does feature some nice landscaping, wide-open and level paths, and is relatively secluded from the bustle of the city.

We keep coming back to Shofukuji for the same reasons. More importantly, it features some excellent walking courses for Locutus. There are stairs, uneven ground, dirt, leaves and bollards...all the makings for an excellent playground. We've walked the steps up and down from the main building many times, trodden the simple paths over and over, and been appreciative that such an excellent location for our son to explore is so conveniently located.