Nanzoin Temple, Chikuzen Travel Guide

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Discover the serene beauty of Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka, home to the world's largest bronze reclining Buddha and the starting point of a sacred pilgrimage.

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Nanzoin Temple

Nanzoin Temple, nestled in Sasaguri, Fukuoka, is a Shingon Buddhist temple famous for its giant bronze reclining Buddha statue, said to be the largest in the world. Originally located on Mount Koya, it was moved in 1899 and now serves as the starting point for the Sasaguri 88 Temple Pilgrimage.

A brief summary to Nanzoin Temple

1035 Sasaguri, Sasaguri, Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, 811-2405, JP
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Nanzoin Temple.

Dress modestly when visiting, covering shoulders and knees, as Nanzoin is a sacred place of worship.
Take a walk through the Tunnel of the Seven Lucky Gods to seek blessings and good fortune.
If visiting as a group of 10 or more, apply in advance for a discounted entrance fee.
Be mindful of temple etiquette; refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, or making loud noises while walking around.
Consider donating to the temple to enter the prayer room beneath the reclining Buddha statue and write a prayer.

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Explore Nanzoin Temple on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Nanzoin Temple, mapped for you.

Getting There

Public Transport

From Hakata Station in Fukuoka, take the JR Sasaguri Line (Fukuhoku Yutaka Line) to Kido Nanzoin-mae Station. The ride takes approximately 20-26 minutes and costs ¥380. From Kido Nanzoin-mae Station, it's a 3-5 minute walk to Nanzoin Temple. Follow the signs past the bridge and turn right to reach the temple entrance.
Taxi

A taxi from Fukuoka city center to Nanzoin Temple takes approximately 16 minutes, covering a distance of 15 km. The estimated fare ranges from ¥4,800 to ¥6,000. Note that traffic conditions may affect travel time and cost.

Discover more about Nanzoin Temple

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.