Kokafu-ji+Temple

Kofuku-ji Temple is Japan's first Chinese temple. In 1620, merchants during the Ming Dynasty constructed a monastery to have a place to pray for a safe voyage on their frequent route to Nagasaki. At the time, Japan had a ban on Christianity, and it was especially important during this period. The Chinese residents did not want to be suspected as being Christian, so they felt it necessary to build a series of Chinese Buddhist temples. And Kofuku-ji was born.

Spectacles Bridge, Japan's oldest stone bridge, was built by Mokosunyoujo, a Zen master who happened to practice at this temple. The temple itself houses many cultural assets, such as the Daiyu Treasure House, which is a nationally important property. The temple's surroundings are considered a historic landmark as well.