OVERVIEW

While Kofukuji was called the Nankindera (Nanjing Temple) having been built by residents from Nanjing, China, Sofukuji was established by Chinese residents from Fujian Province.

The temple’s striking red daiippomon (first gate) and daiyuhoden (main hall) are National Treasures of Japan (only 3 relics have been awarded this title in Nagasaki Prefecture, out of the 5 in Kyushu). On a more local level, 5 of the temple’s relics have been named Important Cultural Properties of Japan, 4 are Nagasaki Prefecture designated tangible cultural properties, and 10 are Nagasaki City designated tangible cultural properties. Vestiges of Ming Dynasty China can also be found in the temple’s Buddhist statues and altar equipment which were crafted by master craftsmen from China. This temple is truly a treasure trove of historical relics.

Sofukuji, together with Kofukuji, Shofukuji and Fukusaiji comprise the “four fortune temples of Nagasaki” (長崎四福寺).