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At 41 meters long, 11 meters tall, and weighing approximately 300 tons, Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture is home to the largest bronze reclining Buddha statue in the world.
Beyond the awe-inspiring Reclining Buddha, this temple features the Seven Lucky Gods Tunnel, Daikokudo Hall renowned for bringing fortune, and the legendary story of the head priest winning the lottery. This article introduces the attractions of Nanzoin, a popular spiritual power spot in Fukuoka visited by approximately one million people each year.
Nanzoin is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka Prefecture. It serves as a special head temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect and is also the main temple of the Sasaguri Shikoku Eighty-Eight Temple Pilgrimage. Famous for housing the largest bronze Reclining Buddha in the world, it welcomes approximately one million visitors annually, making it one of Fukuoka’s most representative spiritual power spots.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Visiting Hours | Main Hall: Open 24 hours Reclining Buddha Area: 9:00 am–5:00 pm (last entry 4:30 pm) Nakamise Street & Interior Worship: 9:30 am–4:00 pm |
| Closed | Open year - round |
| Admission | 300 yen (free for visitors under 19) *Groups of 10+: 200 yen |
| Interior Worship Fee | 500 yen (prayer offering fee) |
| Phone | 092-947-7195 (9:00–16:30) |
| Parking | Free parking available for visitors (3 lots) |
| Access | About 3 min walk from JR Kido - Nanzoinguchi Station on the Fukuhoku Yutaka Line |
| Address | 1035 Sasaguri, Sasaguri - machi, Kasuya - gun, Fukuoka 811 - 2405 |
| Official Website | https://nanzoin.net/ |
The main attraction of Nanzoin Temple is its Reclining Buddha, the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world.
The statue stands 11 meters tall, stretches 41 meters long, and weighs approximately 300 tons.
For many years, Nanzoin Temple has been sending medicine and school supplies to children in Nepal and Myanmar. In 1988, the Myanmar Buddhist Council gifted the temple sacred relics of Buddha as a token of gratitude. This Reclining Buddha was completed in May 1995 as a place to enshrine these relics.
Comparing it to the people nearby gives you a sense of its massive scale.
Up close, the sheer size is overwhelming, yet the Buddha wears an expression of profound peace.
Buddha footprints are representations of the Buddha’s feet carved in stone. In early Indian Buddhism, creating images of Buddha was considered too sacred. Instead, the patterns on the soles of Buddha’s feet were carved into stone and worshipped as sacred objects. The patterns on the soles represent Buddha’s precious teachings and compassionate heart.
Each pattern carries specific symbolism and meaning. Below is an explanation of each pattern and its significance.
| Pattern | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Lunar Symbol | Symbolizes the moon, representing stability and compassion. The moonlight signifies the wisdom of enlightenment. |
| Lotus Pattern | A floral design symbolizing nature and beauty, representing grace and abundance. |
| Pair of Golden Fish | Symbolizes happiness, prosperity, and success. Also represents wisdom and enlightenment. |
| Vajra | Symbolizes the power to defeat evil. Represents the force that crushes impermanence and suffering. |
| Treasure Vase | Represents wealth and happiness, signifying infinite wisdom and compassion. |
| Conch Shell | A spiral pattern symbolizing eternity and perfection. Represents the profound depth of the path to enlightenment. |
| Dharma Wheel | A large wheel pattern symbolizing the turning of the Dharma (Buddhist teachings). Represents the vastness and depth of the teachings. |
| Crown of Brahma | The crown pattern of Brahma. Represents the supreme existence of Buddha and the state of enlightenment. |
Visitors can actually enter and worship inside this giant Reclining Buddha statue.
The entrance is located near the head of the Buddha statue.
Pay the worship fee at the reception desk to enter.
Photography is prohibited inside the Reclining Buddha, so there are no photos, but the interior gleams with gold throughout. Staff members inside provide explanations at key points along the way.
The tour takes about 5–10 minutes. After walking through the Buddha’s interior, you emerge at the exit.
The gift shop at the Buddha’s feet serves as the exit from the interior worship experience.
Those who complete the interior worship can try Tawara-nage for free.
Tawara-nage is a fortune-telling game where you throw a small shuttlecock-like object called a tawara into a wooden box about 3 meters away. The boxes are marked Daikichi (great luck) and Dai-daikichi (greatest luck), and the challenge is to land your tawara inside.
You receive a free Tawara-nage ticket when you pay for interior worship, which you can exchange for the tawara at the exit gift shop.
The tawara measures approximately 10cm × 2cm × 1cm and weighs about 10g.
The challenge of throwing it into the box is surprisingly difficult.
When the wind blows, the lightweight, feathered tawara becomes even harder to control. But perhaps that’s part of what makes it a true test of luck.
The success rate is not high, but the fun is in the challenge itself.
Nanzoin Temple has a Nakamise Street, a shopping area along the path leading to the Reclining Buddha.
This area sells Nanzoin original sweets and souvenirs, as well as offering candles and incense for temple offerings.
This is the columbarium located along Nakamise Street.
Along Nakamise Street, there is an area called The Poor Girl’s Lantern.
In Buddhism, there is a story called The Poor Girl’s Lantern, a Buddhist tale about a poor girl who offered a lantern to Buddha.
According to the information board, Nanzoin established The Poor Girl’s Lantern Fund to donate to people in need around the world. The exhibit tells this story as part of that charitable initiative.
In the Lantern Hall of Okunoin at Mount Koya, The Poor Girl's Lantern continues to shine with an eternal light.
Long ago, in the province of Izumi, there lived a girl named Oteru. A devoted daughter, Oteru visited her parents' grave every day to pray for their souls.
One day, Oteru learned that offering a lantern to Kobo Daishi at Mount Koya would be the greatest tribute to the deceased. She wished she could offer at least one lantern for her late parents, but she had nothing of value to sell.
Then a merchant who saw Oteru remarked, 'What beautiful hair you have. That black hair would fetch good money.'
Black hair was considered a woman's greatest treasure. But if this hair could be exchanged for money... perhaps she could offer even a small lantern to Okunoin at Mount Koya. A light to illuminate her late parents' path in the afterlife... Finally resolving herself, Oteru cut her black hair at her parents' grave.
Time passed, and with the help of Enzobou of Mount Koya, who was moved by Oteru's devotion to her late parents, the day came to offer her long-wished-for lantern at Okunoin. By coincidence, it was also the day when a wealthy man named Yabusaka no Choja was dedicating ten thousand lanterns. Among the countless lights, the wealthy man noticed one unfamiliar, small lantern and spoke harshly.
'Enzobou, what is that miserable little lantern on the altar? Whose is it?'
'That lantern was offered with all her heart by a poor girl to Kobo Daishi,' replied Enzobou.
'What? A poor girl? And placed even higher than my offerings? Such a pitiful, unsightly thing—remove it at once!'
At that moment, a gust of wind swept through, and all ten thousand lanterns of the wealthy man were extinguished. The Lantern Hall fell into complete darkness. Yet miraculously, the small lantern that Oteru had offered continued to shine brightly.
'Look, wealthy man, and all people gathered here. Behold that lantern, offered by a girl who prayed for her late parents without resentment, who sacrificed her precious black hair. Faith cannot be bought with power or money. Kobo Daishi accepted it because it came from a true human heart. The wealthy man offered ten thousand lanterns as his means allowed; Oteru offered one small light with a bountiful heart. It is such offerings that bring eternal light to the world.'
The solemn voice of the officiating priest Kaie echoed through the hall.
Gassho (hands together in prayer)
The Seven Lucky Gods Tunnel connects the main hall side to the Reclining Buddha side. At 41 meters long, statues of the Seven Lucky Gods are enshrined in the central section of the tunnel.
Inside the tunnel, paintings and carvings of the Seven Lucky Gods create a mystical atmosphere. The tunnel walls are also adorned with ema prayer plaques featuring wishes related to the Seven Lucky Gods.
The Seven Lucky Gods are deities from Chinese folk religion that came to Japan, believed to bestow blessings of wealth, health, and longevity. In the Seven Lucky Gods Tunnel at Nanzoin, you can see Ebisu, Daikokuten, Bishamonten, Benzaiten, Fukurokuju, Jurojin, and Hotei, each adorned in colorful attire.
Photography is prohibited inside, so only the entrance is shown, but the display of Seven Lucky Gods is truly impressive. This is a must-see spot when visiting Nanzoin Temple.
Beyond the Seven Lucky Gods Tunnel, you will find Ebisu Hall and Daikoku Hall.
Ebisu Hall is a sanctuary dedicated to Ebisu, the god worshipped as a guardian of business prosperity and the fishing industry. Inside, a wooden statue of Ebisu is enshrined, depicted holding a sea bream and a fishing rod.
Daikoku Hall is a sanctuary on the Nanzoin grounds dedicated to Daikokuten, the god of treasure, fortune, and abundant harvests. Inside, a wooden statue of Daikokuten is enshrined, shown holding a rice bale in his left hand and a magic mallet in his right.
Ebisu Hall and Daikoku Hall share the same building. Ebisu Hall is on the left in the photo, and Daikoku Hall is on the right.
In front of Ebisu Hall and Daikoku Hall, there is a torii gate and pond, offering a beautiful Japanese garden scene.
Passing through this torii gate leads to Nanten Inari Shrine.
No discussion of Nanzoin Temple is complete without the incredible lottery story of head priest Hayashi Kakujo.
In June 1995, just one month after the Reclining Buddha was completed, Head Priest Hayashi won the jumbo lottery jackpot—first prize plus adjacent numbers totaling 130 million yen. Just 10 days later, he won another 5.6 million yen in the Numbers lottery.
According to Head Priest Hayashi, he kept his lottery tickets wrapped in a talisman featuring Daikokuten. The winnings were used entirely for the temple.
This story is what made Nanzoin famous as a power spot for financial fortune. When you visit Daikoku Hall, keep this remarkable tale in mind.
Nanzoin Temple also features a statue called Saba Daishi (Mackerel Master).
Look closely, and you will see he is actually holding a mackerel.
There are various theories about why this statue exists, but one is based on the legend that Kobo Daishi brought a salted mackerel back to life.
Kobo Daishi was a monk in the Heian period and is known as the founder of Shingon Buddhism. Nanzoin is said to be a temple he visited upon returning to Japan from China.
According to legend, a fisherman from Sasaguri once approached Kobo Daishi, saying that his salted mackerel had spoiled and was inedible. Kobo Daishi took the mackerel, chanted a sacred verse, and the fish came back to life, returning to its original freshness.
This legend is recorded in Nanzoin’s temple chronicles and is well-known locally. This is why the temple features a statue of Saba Daishi, depicting Kobo Daishi reviving the salted mackerel.
Nanzoin Temple generally maintains a quiet and tranquil atmosphere.
Nanzoin Temple has established rules for visitors, which are somewhat stricter than at other temples.
Visitor Guidelines - Nanzoin TempleThe following notice is posted on the temple grounds.
Nanzoin Temple relocated from Mount Koya to Sasaguri in 1900. Over the past 120 years, thanks to local residents and parishioners, it has developed as a religious facility dedicated to Buddhist faith.
However, in recent times, an increasing number of visitors who come for purposes other than worship have caused many problems. Some issues arise from foreign visitors unfamiliar with Japanese customs, while others stem from Japanese visitors who have grown ignorant of religious practices. We have witnessed intolerable behavior from people who fail to observe even basic courtesy at a religious facility. This includes eating while walking, using mobile phones while walking, having loud conversations next to people praying, posing for photos at gravesites and places of worship, and visiting in cosplay or revealing clothing inappropriate for a religious site. When staff point out these behaviors, some visitors show obvious displeasure and even verbally abuse those who gave the warning.
Such people seem to mistakenly believe that Nanzoin grounds are a resort or tourist attraction where they can behave freely.
Needless to say, however, Nanzoin is a sacred place for our parishioners and for those who visit for worship and memorial purposes. Therefore, Nanzoin has decided to establish rules to prevent such inappropriate behavior and to request that all visitors entering the grounds observe these rules.
The Nanzoin grounds are owned and managed by Nanzoin Temple, a religious corporation—they are not a public space where visitors can behave as they please. The grounds are managed according to rules that Nanzoin considers appropriate for a religious facility based on Buddhism. Naturally, these rules prioritize those who wish to pray peacefully and quietly in this sacred place of faith.
Therefore, visitors who do not listen to, cannot follow, or do not accept our rules and warnings—regardless of nationality—will be denied entry or asked to leave the grounds. Please be aware of this. The head priest and all staff members will make every effort to protect this place of faith. We sincerely ask for your cooperation and understanding.
While having the largest Reclining Buddha in the world is remarkable, the statue’s fame should not overshadow the temple’s true purpose.
Certainly, for tourists like us, Nanzoin is an excellent sightseeing spot, and it has indeed become a tourist destination. After all, who wouldn’t want to see the world’s largest Reclining Buddha?
However, Nanzoin is a temple, not an amusement park.
Please remember that there are people who come to Nanzoin to pray before Buddha. This is fundamentally a place for such visitors.
Keep this in mind and visit with a humble and respectful attitude.
Be sure to check the official website for prohibited behaviors before your visit.
In particular, visitors wearing excessively revealing clothing or showing visible tattoos will not be permitted to enter. Please dress appropriately.
Note that as of May 2025, an admission fee of 300 yen per person (free for those under 19) is required to enter the temple grounds. This fee helps cover cleaning and security costs.
Nanzoin is a tranquil and renowned temple in Fukuoka where history and nature harmonize beautifully.
The Reclining Buddha, the largest bronze Buddha statue in the world, has an overwhelming presence that can only be understood by seeing it in person.
The profound meanings embedded in the Buddha footprints, the impressive Seven Lucky Gods Tunnel, and the blessings of financial fortune associated with the priest’s lottery win—Nanzoin is filled with attractions and spiritual power spots.
The gardens filled with Zen spirit and the quiet environment offer a place to refresh your mind.
For those seeking inner peace and tranquility, or for those who want to spend a relaxing time surrounded by abundant nature, Nanzoin Temple is highly recommended.
