Kofukuji

Kofukuji is the oldest Obaku Zen temple in Japan, founded in 1624 by the Chinese monk Shinnen in Nagasaki's temple district. Chinese merchants from Fujian, Zhejiang, and Jiangsu gathered here, establishing a Mazu shrine, which led to the temple being called 'Nanjing-dera' or 'Aka-dera' (Red Temple) for its vermilion-painted gate. Yinyuan Longqi, the founder of the Obaku school of Zen, visited and deepened the tradition here, making this temple the foundation of Obaku Buddhism's spread throughout Japan. The main hall (Daiyuhoden) is designated as a National Important Cultural Property, while the Sanmon gate, Mazu shrine, and bell tower are designated as prefectural cultural properties. It remains one of the three great Fukkoku temples of Nagasaki, a place where Chinese and Japanese spiritual traditions have long intermingled.