Jotenji Temple

承天寺

Small temple with the udon and soba origin stone

Address

1-29-9 Hakataekimae, Hakata Ward, about 10 min on foot from Hakata Station

Said to have been founded in 1242 by the monk Enni, the temple holds a stone marking the supposed birthplace of udon and soba. The tale is that he brought milling know-how back from China; it is local pride more than settled history. The grounds are small and calm, and the origin story of the Hakata Gion Yamakasa festival is tied to this temple too. It is a walk from Hakata Station, so it pairs well with a bowl of noodles.