Nanzoin: a Wealth Luck Temple Home to One of the Largest Reclining Buddhas

In the town of Sasaguri in Fukuoka, Nanzoin is the head temple and first stop of the Sasaguri Shikoku eighty eight pilgrimage and a special head temple of the Koyasan Shingon school. Above all it is famous for its bronze reclining Buddha, completed in 1995 and one of the largest in the world at 41 meters long, 11 meters high, and about 300 tons in weight.

Thanks to a tale that a former head priest won a large lottery prize, it became known across the country as a power spot for wealth and good fortune. The reclining Buddha is said to have been built to enshrine Buddha relics that were presented in return for years of gifts of medicine and stationery sent to children in Myanmar and Nepal. The relics rest inside the statue, and walking the inner path is said to grant the same merit as the full pilgrimage.

Highlights

• The overwhelming bronze reclining Buddha, among the largest in the world; built in 1995, its 41 meter form is staggering up close
• Viewing inside the reclining Buddha, where you can pay respects to the enshrined relics
• The Daikoku hall, known for prayers for wealth and lottery success
• The solemn presence of the head temple and first stop of the Sasaguri pilgrimage, with many statues scattered across the grounds

Enjoying the Seasons

Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and foliage in autumn wrap the grounds in lush nature through the year. The wide precinct is dotted with many statues and halls, and simply strolling among them brings calm to the heart. Though this popular temple draws over 1.3 million visitors a year, the early morning hours allow a relatively quiet walk.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 1035 Sasaguri, Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka
• Access: About 3 minutes on foot from Kido Nanzoinmae Station on the JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line. About 15 minutes by car from Fukuoka IC
• Hours: Daytime; viewing inside the reclining Buddha is within set hours
• Admission: Free to enter the grounds; viewing inside the reclining Buddha may require a fee
• Parking: Available

Practical Travel Notes

• Best season and time: The cherry blossom, fresh green, and autumn foliage seasons are especially lovely; to avoid crowds, aim for the morning just after opening
• Avoiding crowds: Weekends, long holidays, and the New Year draw large numbers. Weekdays or early mornings allow a calmer visit
• Time needed: About one to one and a half hours to see the reclining Buddha and the main halls; set aside half a day to explore the grounds fully
• Nearby real spots: The stations of the Sasaguri pilgrimage dot the town, and Kido Nanzoinmae Station makes a handy base for exploring Sasaguri
• Budget guide: Entry to the grounds is free; even with a viewing fee and transport, figure a few hundred to the low thousands of yen

A Quick Tip

If you wish for wealth luck, do not forget to pray at the Daikoku hall. Access by rail is easy, only about 3 minutes on foot from Kido Nanzoinmae Station. The grounds are wide with some slopes, so wear comfortable shoes and allow plenty of time to wander among the reclining Buddha and the many other sights.

📚 Sources

Information on Nanzoin can be confirmed through public sources from Nanzoin and Sasaguri Town and on-site guidance, and public information is also helpful for the sacred sites of the Sasaguri Shikoku pilgrimage. Worship hours, viewing inside the reclining Buddha, and access may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About one hour to an hour and a half to visit the reclining Buddha and the main halls. Allow half a day if you add the Sasaguri Shikoku pilgrimage sites.
• What to bring: The grounds are undulating with plenty of walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Small change is handy for things like viewing inside the reclining Buddha.
• Suggested route: Worship at the reclining Buddha and the main halls, then use Kido-Nanzoin-mae Station as a base to combine the sacred sites of the Sasaguri Shikoku pilgrimage for a full Sasaguri stroll.