Just a 25-minute train ride from Fukuoka, you'll find the world's largest reclining Buddha at Nanzôin Temple, where admission is free. This site draws millions of visitors annually, as it's the starting point of the Sasaguri pilgrimage. Without a doubt, you'll be amazed by this place.
More Than Just a Temple: Nanzôin is a Temple Complex
Nanzôin is part of a larger complex belonging to the Shingon Buddhist school, which venerates nature and mountains. This explains why most of their temples, including Nanzôin, are nestled in the mountains.
The complex is quite expansive and divided into two distinct areas. The first area offers a journey through multiple statues, ponds, and waterfalls. Here, you'll encounter the large statue of the fire god "Dai-Fudomyô." Though his fierce appearance—with a sword, rope, and eyes looking in two different directions—might seem intimidating, he is actually a protective deity.
The second area is accessible through the long "Shichifukujin" tunnel, dedicated to Japan’s seven gods of good fortune. The walls are lined with hundreds of small plaques left by pilgrims to commemorate their visit.
Exiting the Tunnel, You'll Find the World's Largest Reclining Buddha!
The statue, named "Nehanzo," was built in 1995. It's made of bronze, stretching 41 meters long, standing 11 meters tall, and weighing nearly 300 tons. This statue depicts Buddha passing into Nirvana.
In front of it, you'll see 500 statues representing all of Buddha’s disciples. Be sure to check out the richly decorated soles of Buddha's feet. Tradition suggests making an offering here for good luck.
You can also visit the inside of the statue, which houses relics of Buddha and his disciples. These relics were donated by Myanmar in gratitude for the temple's contributions of medical supplies for the country’s children. The entrance is on the left side of the statue, and it's open from 9:40 AM to 4:00 PM. The admission fee is 500 yen (~$4).
Interestingly, every year before New Year's, hundreds of devotees gather to clean the statue using bamboo leaves tied to five-meter-long poles.
More Than Just a Temple: A Pilgrimage Site
Keep in mind that Nanzôin Temple is not just a tourist spot but the starting point of one of Japan's three most significant pilgrimages. Most visitors are not there for the modern Buddha statue. Known as the Sasaguri pilgrimage, the 44-kilometer route spans three days and traverses Mount Wakasugi, passing through 88 religious sites. Of these, only 26 temples remain intact, offering rest areas for pilgrims. The other sites are remnants of temples, stones, or statues.
Originally built in 1035, the temple was not located in Fukuoka but in Koyasan in Wakayama Prefecture. It was moved to Sasaguri in 1899 due to anti-Buddhist sentiment in Wakayama, where authorities threatened to burn down the temple.
Events at Nanzôin Temple
Like all major Buddhist temples, Nanzôin regularly hosts various ceremonies. The exact schedule changes yearly and is available on the temple’s website (find the "Event infos" link at the top of the page).
However, the following dates are consistent:
- Every first Sunday of the month at 10:40 AM: Prayers
- Every 27th of the month at 10:40 AM: Sutra transcriptions and lectures on Buddhism (Japanese only)
- January 1st: New Year's prayer
- April 8th: Buddha's birthday
- June 6th: Children's festival
- December 26th: Cleaning of the Great Buddha
