The bronze Reclining Buddha was completed in 1995 to house Buddhist relics donated by Myanmar and Nepal.
The statue is officially recognized as one of the largest bronze cast sculptures globally, often cited as being equal in size to the Statue of Liberty if placed in a standing position.
The soles of the Buddha's feet are intricately carved with symbols representing the teachings of Buddhism.
Nanzoin serves as the head temple for the Sasaguri 88-Temple Pilgrimage, one of Japan's three major pilgrimage routes.
The temple grounds contain a dedicated area for the worship of Fudo-myoo, featuring a waterfall and a striking rock-carved deity.
Nanzoin Temple is primarily distinguished by its massive bronze statue of the Reclining Buddha, known as the Nehanzo, which measures 41 meters in length and 11 meters in height. Weighing approximately 300 tons, the statue is one of the largest bronze figures in the world, comparable in scale to the Statue of Liberty. The temple grounds are home to numerous smaller shrines, stone statues, and the Daikokuden Hall, which is dedicated to the god of wealth. The site serves as the headquarters of the Sasaguri Pilgrimage, a 50-kilometer circuit featuring 88 distinct sacred locations. The temple is situated in a mountainous, forested area within the Kasuya District of Fukuoka Prefecture. The interior of the Reclining Buddha contains consecrated sand brought from holy sites in India, Nepal, and China. Visitors can participate in the ritual of tying a string to the Buddha's feet to establish a connection with the deity. The grounds are integrated into the natural landscape, featuring walking paths that lead through wooded hillside terrain.
The viewing platform across from the Reclining Buddha provides the best angle to capture the full length of the statue.
Wear comfortable, slip-on walking shoes as the temple grounds involve steep slopes and uneven stone paths.
Purchase a pilgrimage booklet at the temple shop if you intend to collect stamps from the various sub-shrines on the mountain.
Visit the area behind the Reclining Buddha to see the smaller, less crowded shrines and gardens.
Avoid visiting during the Obon holiday period or major public holidays when the temple becomes extremely congested with pilgrims.
Maintain silence in areas of worship; remove headwear when entering temple halls; do not photograph the interior of restricted prayer areas.
