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Over a thousand years of history and origins of Frog Pagoda
Nyoirin-ji was begun in 729 during the Nara period. In 1586, the temple was neglected for a time due to severe damage from a fire during wartime. In the early Edo period, Lord Arima Tadayori restored the main hall, and later Matsuzaki, who often used it as a place of prayer, continued the restoration work.
The facade of Frog Pagoda
The name Kaerudera originated from the monk Fumihito Hiraguchi, who, after a visit to China in 1992, brought back several frog statues to decorate the temple. In reality, he didn't particularly like the animal; he simply wanted to collect some interesting artifacts to liven up the temple's then-desolate atmosphere and attract more young people. As a result, the number of frog statues gradually increased, and visitors began contributing more. Today, the temple is home to over 5,000 frog statues of various sizes, shapes, and colors. The previously monotonous landscape has given way to vibrant colors, leading to a significant increase in visitors each year, making Kaerudera one of Fukuoka Prefecture's prominent cultural and tourist destinations.
A "frog army" in Kaerudera
Welcome to the world of frogs!
Just a 15-minute walk from Mitsusawa Station on the Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line, you'll arrive at the Kaerudera Gate. Visitors are greeted by a large, friendly-looking frog statue, and inside, rows upon rows of frog statues of varying sizes are scattered throughout the approximately 6,600 square meter grounds. While frogs may not be considered cute by some, the diverse range of colors in the statues, combined with the pleasant, refreshing atmosphere, creates a very relaxing ambiance.
Kaerudera is magnificent in autumn foliage.
Visitors are greeted by a myriad of frog statues in various shapes and sizes.
Besides the thousands of frog statues, the iconic feature of Kaerudera Temple is the Nyoirin Kannon, a wooden statue considered a cultural treasure by Fukuoka Prefecture, only accessible to visitors during the Year of the Snake – a once-in-12-years event. Additionally, July 17th is known as "Wind Chime Festival Day" because on this day, Kaerudera is covered in thousands of small wind chimes. Visitors can purchase wind chimes, write their wishes on pieces of paper, and hang them up. The sight of the colorful wind chimes swaying in the wind and producing pleasant tinkling sounds is what visitors, especially young people, look forward to most each year at this charming temple.
The wind chimes at Frog Temple are resplendent with color.
Why is Frog Pagoda so popular with tourists?
"Nyoi" in the official name Nyoirin-ji means that things will go as desired. "Kaeru" in Japanese means frog, and it's also a homonym of the verb "kaeru" (帰る) meaning "to return," so frogs represent preservation, symbolizing the return of objects or people to their origins.
Inside the main hall is a crystal ball, said to be able to ward off misfortune for anyone who touches it.
Sparkling souvenirs at the Frog Temple
The word "Kaeru" also means "returning safely," so this temple is considered one of the most sacred places in Japan. The beautiful meaning of the name, combined with the colorful and cheerful scenery, is what attracts a large number of visitors of all ages to Kaerudera.
