The reclining Buddha statue is roughly the same size as the Statue of Liberty in length and height.
The statue’s feet are carved with intricate designs; visitors are traditionally encouraged to touch them for good fortune.
The temple was originally located in the center of Fukuoka city but was moved to the Sasaguri mountains in 1899 due to government policies.
The current head priest of Nanzo-in reportedly won the Jumbo Takarakuji lottery twice after praying at the temple, leading many to visit for financial luck.
The interior of the reclining Buddha statue contains sand from each of the 88 temples on the traditional Shikoku Pilgrimage route.
The complex includes a series of caves and small shrines integrated into the natural cliffside topography.
Nanzo-in Temple is famous for the Nehanzo, a massive bronze statue of the reclining Buddha measuring 41 meters in length and 11 meters in height. The statue weighs approximately 300 tons and was completed in 1995 to house ashes of Buddha and two Buddhist disciples gifted by the Buddhist associations of Myanmar and Nepal. The temple complex is the head temple of the Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage, one of the three oldest pilgrimage routes in Japan. The grounds feature a forest trail containing 88 stone statues representing the stops along the Shikoku circuit. Visitors encounter numerous smaller statues, colorful gardens, and water features scattered along the forested hillside paths. The site is an active religious location still utilized by local practitioners and pilgrims. It is situated within the mountains of the Kasuya District, providing a secluded atmosphere separate from Fukuoka’s urban center.
The elevated viewing platform directly opposite the face of the reclining Buddha.
Wear comfortable, non-slip walking shoes, as the path to the main Buddha involves a significant incline and stone stairs.
Carry a small towel and water, as the walk through the hillside temple complex can be humid and demanding in warmer months.
Respect the ongoing pilgrimage activities by maintaining a quiet demeanor near the prayer halls.
Avoid taking photos of local pilgrims or monks during their prayer sessions, and do not step on the raised wooden thresholds of the temple buildings.
Dress modestly as this is an active religious site; remove hats when approaching shrines, and remain silent in areas marked for prayer.
