The temple was originally established as 'Tetsudō Daishi' (Railway Grand Master) by workers of the Taiwan Railway Administration.
The architecture follows the Zen style, emphasizing symmetry and the use of unpainted cypress wood.
It is one of the few surviving Japanese-era wooden religious buildings in northern Taiwan that has maintained its original structural integrity.
The temple interior features a specialized altar design that deviates from traditional Taiwanese temple configurations.
The structure was listed as a designated municipal historic site in 1999.
Puji Temple, also known as the Tetsudō Daishi, is a rare example of Japanese-style wooden temple architecture in Taiwan's Beitou district. Originally constructed in 1905 during the Japanese colonial period, it serves as a Zen Buddhist temple dedicated to the protector of railway workers. The structure features a distinctive hip-and-gable roof and a decorative front gable known as a chidori-hafu. Unlike many traditional Taiwanese temples that use vibrant color palettes, this site retains a muted, austere wooden aesthetic typical of Japanese religious architecture. It is recognized as a municipal historical site by the Taipei City Government. The temple maintains a connection to its origins, featuring a statue of the deity Ksitigarbha, often associated with the safety of travelers. The surrounding environment remains heavily influenced by the historical development of the Beitou hot spring area.
From the bottom of the stone entrance steps looking up at the wooden facade and the gabled roof.
Visit during weekdays to avoid the heavier weekend crowds that frequent the nearby hot spring trails.
Respect the silence of the grounds, as the temple is an active religious space.
Look for the detailed wood carvings on the roof brackets which are classic examples of Japanese temple carpentry.
Avoid wearing loud, distracting clothing and do not attempt to enter areas marked as private quarters for the resident monks.
Remove your shoes before entering the temple hall; maintain a quiet voice and refrain from photography inside the prayer area.
