Nanzoin — Attraction in Sasaguri

Nanzo-in is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka, Japan. It is notable for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world.

Nanzo-in was originally located on Mount Kōya, but local anti-Buddhist authorities threatened to destroy the temple in 1886. Public outcry lead to a decade-long effort to have the temple transferred to Sasaguri. It was moved in 1899, under the leadership of Sasaguri priest, Hayashi Satoshiun. Nanzo-in is the main location among the 88 temples that make up the Sasaguri pilgrimage route, one of the three famous walking pilgrimages in Japan.

Today, the temple and its surrounding grounds receive more than 1 million visitors annually.

A chief priest of Nanzo-in once won the lottery after laying his ticket next to a statue of Daikoku. The temple claims that others who have made a similar effort have also won the lottery, bringing the temple associations with luck and lottery tickets.

The reclining Buddha statue, known as either Nehanzo or Shaka Nehan ("Nirvana") is 41 meters long, 11 meters high, and weighs nearly 300 tons. The statue depicts Buddha at the moment of death, or entrance into nirvana.

The interior holds ashes of Buddha and two Buddhist adherents, Ānanda and Maudgalyayana. Those relics were a gift from Myanmar as thanks for the sect's donations of medical supplies to children in both Nepal and Myanmar. In 1995, 1,300 monks from Myanmar and Nepal attended the unveiling of the reclining Buddha statue.

Inside the sculpture, sand from each of the 88 shrines that make up the Shikoku pilgrimage are stored below bricks within a narrow hallway.

Every year, hundreds of Buddhists come together to clean the statue using bamboo leaves tied to five-meter poles.

Nanzo-in has 4,315 nokotsudo, places where bones of the deceased are stored. The temple has a non-traditional fee structure for housing remains that is open to all sects of Buddhism, as well as to Shinto remains. This is aligned with many other Buddhist temples that rely on a monthly fee for housing the bones of the deceased, which are then disposed of after a set period of time. Nanzo-in has one fee, which covers 200...

Nanzoin Temple, located in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a remarkable destination that offers visitors a blend of spiritual significance and natural beauty. The temple is renowned for housing the world’s largest bronze reclining Buddha statue, known as Nehanzo, which measures approximately 41 meters in length and 11 meters in height. 

The temple complex is nestled amidst lush greenery, providing a serene atmosphere ideal for reflection and exploration. Visitors can wander through moss-covered stone paths, cross charming red bridges, and discover numerous smaller statues and shrines that dot the landscape. The tranquil environment is further enhanced by the gentle sounds of flowing water from nearby streams and waterfalls.

Accessing Nanzoin Temple is convenient; it’s a short train ride from Fukuoka City. From Hakata Station, take the JR Sasaguri Line to Kido Nanzoin-mae Station, a journey of about 26 minutes. Upon arrival, the temple is a brief walk from the station. 

While the temple is open to visitors throughout the day, it’s advisable to visit during the morning or late afternoon to fully appreciate its peaceful ambiance. Weekdays are generally less crowded, offering a more intimate experience. There is no admission fee to enter the temple grounds; however, certain areas may request a small donation.

In summary, Nanzoin Temple is a must-visit for those traveling to Fukuoka. Its impressive reclining Buddha, coupled with the serene natural surroundings, provides a unique and enriching experience that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Japanese spirituality...

We visited Nanzoin Temple at the end of September 2024. Took the JR Fukuhokuyutaka line from Hakata Station to Kidonanzoin Mae station (first time seeing bathrooms on a train in Japan).

Leading up to the temple grounds, you pass by a musical bridge where you're supposed to be able to "play" the notes by hitting them with something. Didn't see any stick or rod to use so just tapped it with my finger. Not very audible (probably better if they had a wooden or metal rod to use).

This specific temple grounds has a bunch of restrictions on things like wearing revealing clothing. It was super hot (30°+) but I decided to wear pants instead of shorts.

They also have restrictions on taking pictures in some areas. The signs aren't very obvious until you are right up next to them so just keep a look out for them. You're also not supposed to eat or drink while walking around.

The big draw for the temple is the giant reclining buddha located on the 2nd level of the temple. Little did we know that they were doing construction at the time so the usual front view of the buddha is obstructed.

We probably spent a little less than 2 hours exploring the temple grounds. There are caves and rock bridges. They also have a place to buy various lucky charms.

They did have a large covered sitting area at the reclining buddha area (I think it's to help prevent heat exhaustion) but it was still very hot and humid. It might be nice here when it's a bit cooler and when construction...