Just a 25-minute train ride from Fukuoka, Nanzôin Temple is home to one of Japan’s most breathtaking treasures: the largest reclining bronze Buddha in the world. This incredible site, with free admission, attracts millions of visitors each year, as it also serves as the starting point of the famous Sasaguri pilgrimage.
What to see at Nanzôin temple ?
A hidden buddhist complex in the mountains
Unlike many temples located in bustling city centers, Nanzôin is nestled deep in nature. It belongs to the Shingon Buddhist school, which places a strong emphasis on the connection between spirituality and the natural world. That’s why its temples are often found in the mountains, in harmony with their surroundings.
The site is divided into two distinct areas, each offering a unique atmosphere.
First area: Statues, waterfalls, and the fire god
As soon as you step into the temple grounds, you’ll be immersed in a serene natural setting. The path begins with numerous Buddhist statues, small shrines, ponds, and waterfalls, all adding to the peaceful ambiance.
One of the most striking figures is the statue of Dai-Fudomyô, the Fire God. Holding a sword in one hand and a rope in the other, with piercing eyes, he may seem intimidating at first. But don’t be mistaken ... this deity is actually a protector, believed to ward off evil.
Second Area: The Tunnel of the Seven Lucky Gods
To reach the second part of the temple, you’ll walk through the long "Shichifukujin" tunnel, dedicated to Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods (Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin, and Hotei).
Along the tunnel walls, you’ll see hundreds of small wooden plaques (ema) left by pilgrims as prayers and expressions of gratitude. As you pass through, the atmosphere becomes more spiritual… and at the end of the tunnel, an awe-inspiring sight awaits!
The world’s largest reclining bronze buddha
As you step out of the tunnel, you’ll come face to face with "Nehanzo," a massive reclining Buddha statue.
Built in 1995, this bronze masterpiece measures 41 meters (135 feet) in length, stands 11 meters (36 feet) tall, and weighs nearly 300 tons. It depicts Buddha in his final posture, entering Nirvana.
Right in front of the statue, you’ll notice 500 smaller statues, representing Buddha’s disciples. One fascinating detail: look closely at the feet of the Buddha! The soles are intricately decorated, and it is said that making an offering there brings good fortune.
Explore inside the buddha to see sacred relics
Did you know you can actually enter the Buddha statue? Inside, a sacred space houses relics of Buddha and his disciples, gifted by Myanmar in gratitude for Nanzôin Temple’s charitable donations to children in the country.
- Opening Hours: 9:40 AM – 4:00 PM
- Entrance Fee: 500 yen
- Access: The entrance is located to the left of the statue
A unique tradition: the great buddha cleaning ceremony
Every year, just before New Year's Day, hundreds of devotees gather for a special ritual: they clean the entire statue using long bamboo branches. This ceremony symbolizes purification and renewal for the coming year.
Nanzôin temple: starting point of the sasaguri pilgrimage
While many visitors come to admire the Great Buddha, Nanzôin Temple is first and foremost a major Buddhist pilgrimage site.
It marks the beginning of the Sasaguri pilgrimage, one of the three largest pilgrimages in Japan. This 44-kilometer (27-mile) route takes about three days to complete and passes through 88 sacred sites, including 26 well-preserved temples.
Originally, Nanzôin Temple was located in Koyasan, Wakayama Prefecture. However, in 1899, it was moved to Sasaguri to escape destruction by local authorities, who were hostile toward Buddhism at the time.
Events and ceremonies at Nanzôin temple
Like all major Buddhist temples, Nanzôin hosts numerous ceremonies throughout the year. The schedule varies annually and can be found on the temple’s official website.
Here are some regular events:
- First Sunday of the Month (10:30 AM): Collective Prayer
- Every 27th of the Month (10:30 AM / 11:30 AM): Buddhist Sutra Transcription and Lectures (Japanese only)
- January 1st: Special New Year’s Prayer
- April 8th: Buddha’s Birthday Celebration
- June 6th: Ceremony Dedicated to Children
- December 26th: Annual Great Buddha Cleaning
