Nanzoin Temple, tucked into the wooded hills of Sasaguri just east of Fukuoka, is famous for its colossal reclining Buddha (Nehanzo), one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Depicting the Buddha at the moment of entering nirvana, the statue is around 41 metres long and 11 metres high — bigger than the Statue of Liberty is tall — and weighs some 300 tonnes. Reached through peaceful temple grounds dotted with smaller statues, stone Buddhas and forest paths, the giant figure is a genuinely awe-inspiring sight. Nanzoin is a working temple and an important stop on a local Buddhist pilgrimage, so visitors are asked to be respectful. An easy trip from the city, it is one of Fukuoka’s most impressive and unusual sights.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Sasaguri, Fukuoka |
| Hours | ~Daylight; grounds open |
| Admission | Free (respectful conduct asked) |
| Time needed | 1–1.5 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; fresh green and autumn |
What to See
- One of the world’s largest bronze statues.
- A 41-metre reclining Buddha entering nirvana.
- Peaceful temple grounds and forest paths.
- Smaller statues and stone Buddhas throughout.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Dazaifu Tenmangu on a temple day.
- Pair with Tochoji Temple and its wooden Buddha.
- Read our Fukuoka overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR to Kido-Nanzoin-mae Station, then a short walk.
- By car: parking near the temple.
Tips
Remember that Nanzoin is an active temple and pilgrimage site, so dress and behave respectfully rather than treating it purely as a photo spot. Walk the peaceful grounds and forest paths beyond the reclining Buddha, come in fresh green or autumn for the nicest setting, and combine it with Dazaifu or the city temples for a Buddhist-themed day.
