Temples and Shrines in Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan

Sofuku-ji

Nagasaki

Open now

Goshuin

Ōbaku Zen temple in Nagasaki, founded in 1629 for the city’s Chinese community. Known for its Chinesestyle architecture, bright red Ryugamon gate, and nationally treasured halls assembled from parts shipped from China.

Why you should go

The Buddha Hall was designed and cut entirely in China in 1646, then shipped piece by piece to Nagasaki for assembly. It remains one of the city's oldest buildings.
Sofuku-ji was founded in 1629 as an Ōbaku Zen temple for Nagasaki's Chinese community.
The temple's entrance gate was originally built for a different temple in China in 1644, then disassembled, shipped to Japan, and reconstructed here in 1695.

Nagasaki, JapanWebsite

Otaru Tenguyama Jinja

1 Goshuin

A Shinto shrine on Mt. Tengu in Otaru, Hokkaido, near the ropeway summit. It is a small mountaintop shrine linked to Sarutahiko worship and a scenic stop for visitors enjoying panoramic views over Otaru Port and Ishikari Bay.

Why you should go

Locate and rub the nose of the Tengu statue (called 'Hanade Tengu-san') near the shrine, as this is a popular wish-granting ritual specific to this location.
Arrive at the shrine via the ropeway early in the morning or on weekdays to experience the mountaintop shrine in relative solitude, as most visitors come for the daytime views and night scenery rather than the spiritual site itself.
Take photos of the illuminated torii gates and shrine approach at night, as the lighting creates a notably different and more atmospheric scene than daytime visits.