SOFUKU-JI TEMPLE

This Zen temple of the Ōbaku-shū sect was built in 1629. Its door is of Chinese origin and was brought from China in 1696. The bell also dates from the 17th century. We will see a large bronze cauldron that was used during the great famine of the 17th century. If one follows the path from Sōfuku-ji to Kōfuku-ji, one can see a few small temples, including Daijō-ji, Daion-ji, Kotai-ji, Chosho-ji, and Ema-ji. Most of the buildings can be seen from the outside, but the visit is well worth it. Sōfuku-ji is one of the oldest temples in Nagasaki.