Nanzoin, Fukuoka Travel Guide

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Discover the serene Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka, home to the world's largest bronze reclining Buddha statue and a peaceful pilgrimage site.

Nanzoin Temple, nestled in the mountains of Sasaguri, Fukuoka, is a serene Buddhist temple famous for its massive bronze reclining Buddha statue, said to be the largest in the world. Part of the Sasaguri 88 temple pilgrimage, it offers a peaceful escape and a unique blend of spirituality and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Nanzoin

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.

Dress modestly when visiting, as Nanzoin is a sacred place of worship.
Remove your shoes when entering buildings.
Be mindful of temple etiquette, such as no eating or drinking while walking around.
Take time to explore the smaller shrines and statues throughout the temple grounds.
Visit in different seasons to experience the unique natural beauty surrounding the temple.

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Explore Nanzoin on the Map

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

Getting There

Public Transport

The most convenient way to reach Nanzoin Temple is by train. From Hakata Station in Fukuoka, take the JR Sasaguri Line (also known as the Fukuhoku Yutaka Line) to Kido Nanzoin-mae Station. The train ride takes approximately 20-26 minutes and costs 380 yen. From Kido Nanzoin-mae Station, it's a short 3-5 minute walk to the temple. As you exit the station, walk past the Melody Bridge and turn right; you'll see signs directing you to the temple.
Taxi

Taxis are available from Hakata Station to Nanzoin Temple, offering a direct but more expensive option. The journey takes around 16-19 minutes and costs approximately 5,000-6,000 yen. Taxi stands are readily available outside Hakata Station.
Driving

Driving to Nanzoin Temple is straightforward. From central Fukuoka, it takes about 30 minutes via the city expressway and highway 201. Alternatively, it's 15 minutes from the Fukuoka Exit via Route 201. Nanzoin provides three free parking lots, but spaces may be limited during peak times. Check the temple's website for a map of the parking locations.

Discover more about Nanzoin

Nanzoin Temple, originally located on Mount Koya, was moved to its current location in Sasaguri in 1899 due to anti-Buddhist movements. Today, it serves as the head temple and the first amulet-issuing office of the Sasaguri pilgrimage route. This pilgrimage is one of the three major Shin-Shikoku sacred sites.The temple's main attraction is the colossal reclining Buddha statue, known as Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan, completed in 1995. This bronze statue is 41 meters long, 11 meters high, and weighs approximately 300 tons. It depicts Buddha at the moment of death and entry into Nirvana and houses ashes of Buddha and two of his disciples, Ananda and Maudgalyayana, gifted by the Myanmar Buddhist Council in gratitude for the temple's aid to children in Myanmar and Nepal.Beyond the Reclining Buddha, Nanzoin features numerous chapels, shrines, and statues, including a statue of Fudo Myo-o, 500 statues of Buddha's disciples, an Inari Shrine, and a shrine honoring the Shichifukujin, the seven lucky gods of Japan. Visitors can also walk through the Tunnel of the Seven Lucky Gods, believed to bring good luck. The temple offers unique experiences in every season, with cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and vibrant foliage in autumn.