At first glance, Nyoirinji Temple might go unnoticed in the quiet town of Ogori, tucked away from the major tourist routes. And yet, this unassuming spot holds nearly a thousand years of history, tied to a prominent figure in Japanese Buddhism and a mysterious statue that is rarely shown to the public.
The story behind the temple and its sacred statue
Founded by the Monk Gyôki
Nyoirinji Temple was established in 729 by the monk Gyôki, a major spiritual figure during the Nara period. Known for his preaching and building efforts, Gyôki was a pioneer in bringing Buddhism to rural communities. According to legend, he hand-carved a wooden statue of Nyoirin Kannon (如意輪観音), one of the most revered forms of the goddess of mercy.
The statue of Nyoirin Kannon
This statue is truly unique: carved from a single tree trunk, it features six arms, each holding a powerful Buddhist symbol, including a wish-granting jewel and a Dharma wheel (Dharmachakra). Typically hidden from view, the statue is revealed to the public only once every 12 years, a rare event that draws both devoted worshippers and curious visitors.
A temple reborn
Nyoirinji has faced its share of challenges. In 1586, it was destroyed by fire during wartime. Reconstruction didn’t begin until the early 17th century, under the order of Arima Tadayori, the feudal lord of the Kurume domain. Since then, the temple has remained an active place of worship. Today, it welcomes over 30,000 visitors annually, drawn by its tranquil atmosphere—and its surprising population of frogs.
Why is this temple full of frogs?
In Japan, temples often have deep ties to local deities or unique cultural traditions. But few can claim to be home to an entire army of frogs. Nyoirinji, nicknamed "the Frog Temple", is one of them, boasting more than 5,000 frog statues and figurines.
How it all began?
It started in the 1990s, when a high-ranking priest returned from a trip to China with a few jade frog figurines, charmed by their symbolism of good fortune. The collection grew as visitors began contributing their own frogs. Over time, the temple became a frog-filled wonderland, featuring everything from tiny sculptures to life-sized statues.
A play on words with deeper meaning
So why frogs? In Japanese, the word for frog is kaeru (カエル), which also means “to return” (帰る). This pun carries powerful symbolism, suggesting safe returns home, personal reflection, and spiritual renewal.
A living, evolving collection
Today, Nyoirinji feels like a shrine and open-air museum rolled into one. Around every corner, you’ll find frogs praying, playing flutes, or even starring in whimsical or poetic scenes. Spotting them all becomes a kind of meditative treasure hunt, with new frogs added each year.
What to expect when visiting Nyoirinji temple?
Nyoirinji isn’t a sprawling complex, it’s a human-scale sanctuary perfect for slow, mindful exploration. Visitors are invited to take their time and soak in the quiet details.
Atmosphere and experience
From the moment you enter, you're greeted by a large frog statue. The vibe is both lighthearted and reverent, humor and spirituality coexist in harmony. In summer, the soft chime of wind bells (fūrin, 風鈴) adds a soothing soundtrack to your visit, especially during the wind bell festival.
Garden, hidden corners and unique offerings
The temple garden features a small pond, maple trees, and benches for reflection. There’s also a shrine for writing wishes on wooden plaques (ema)—many shaped like frogs, of course. Hidden nooks and playful surprises make this an ideal spot for travelers who enjoy places with both visual charm and symbolic depth.
Annual Events at Nyoirinji Temple
The temple hosts several seasonal and spiritual events throughout the year:
- January 1: New Year’s prayer
- January 17: First Kannon Festival (fire-walking ceremony)
- February 11: Setsubun Spring Festival
- April 24: Grand Jizô Bodhisattva Festival
- July 17: Summer prayer ceremony
- August 24: Abhiseka ritual (spiritual advancement for Buddhist students)
How to get there from Fukuoka?
Reaching Nyoirinji Temple from central Fukuoka is easy with a bit of planning.
Take the Nishitetsu Tenjin-Ômuta Line to Mitsusawa Station (三沢駅). The train ride takes about 50 minutes. From the station, it’s a pleasant 15-minute walk through a quiet residential neighborhood.
Avoid rush hours in the morning and evening, as the line is also used by commuters.
