Nanzoin Temple
Home to the world's largest bronze reclining Buddha statue at 41 metres long — bigger than the Statue of Liberty. Set deep in cedar forest, this temple has a deeply serene atmosphere.
1 hour
Free
Reclining Buddha (main attraction): 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); main hall and pilgrimage stamp office: 24 hours. Grounds accessible during daylight.
March–May or October–November
2 min walk from JR Kido-Nanzoin Mae Station (Sasaguri Line from Hakata, ~30 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
Rub the feet of the Buddha for good fortune — locals swear by it
- 2
The temple complex has over 88 shrines mirroring the Shikoku pilgrimage
- 3
Nanzoin is said to have the highest lotto jackpot rate in Japan — buy a ticket at the gate
Local Tips
The world's largest bronze reclining Buddha (41m long, 11m high) lies in a forest clearing — the scale only becomes apparent as you walk alongside it. The surrounding temple grounds have a charming collection of small statues and a small waterfall shrine. Located on the Sasaguri 88-temple pilgrimage circuit — a less-visited but rewarding alternative to Shikoku.
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