Nanzoin Temple: Home of the Reclining Buddha

Nanzoin Temple, located in the lush mountains of Sasaguri, Fukuoka, offers a serene escape from city life. Originally situated on Mount Koya, the heart of Shingon Buddhism, the temple was relocated to its current site in 1899 due to threats from anti-Buddhist authorities. Today, Nanzoin is the head temple of the Sasaguri 88 Temple Pilgrimage, attracting over a million visitors annually.The temple's main attraction is the Nehanzo, a colossal bronze reclining Buddha statue. Completed in 1995, it measures 41 meters in length, 11 meters in height, and weighs approximately 300 tons. The statue depicts Buddha at the moment of death, entering Nirvana. Inside, the ashes of Gautama Buddha, Ananda, and Maudgalyayana are enshrined, gifted by the Myanmar Buddhist Council in gratitude for Nanzoin's aid to children in Myanmar and Nepal.Visitors can also explore the Tunnel of the Seven Lucky Gods, a symbolic pathway believed to bring good fortune. The temple grounds feature numerous chapels, shrines, and statues, offering a blend of spiritual ambiance and natural beauty. Nanzoin is not just a tourist spot but a sacred place of worship, requiring visitors to observe certain rules, such as dressing modestly and refraining from eating, drinking, smoking, or making loud noises. The temple is deeply involved in international Buddhist connections, sending aid and medical supplies to children in Myanmar and Nepal.