Situated in the remote countryside on the outskirts of Fukuoka City, is one of the most remarkable places you will find in Nanzoin Temple. I have been to hundreds of ho hum Temples all over Japan but without a doubt this Temple has been absolutely the most amazing place you could hope to visit.
The Nanzoin Temple is home to the largest Reclining Buddha in Japan and possibly the world. The actual dimensions of the Statue are 41 metres long by 11 metres in height and it weighs in at 300 tons, so as you can see it ain`t small!
A Reclining Buddha is a relatively rare site in Japan as most are sitting or standing. Sitting indicates that the Buddha is meditating whilst the reclining pose represents the fact that the Buddha is just about to die and enter the state of Nirvana. This state is much more common in South East Asian countries such as Thailand and Laos, so we have discovered a rare find here in the rural confines of Fukuoka.
Not only is the Temple well known for its Reclining Buddha but in fact the rest of the Temple is pretty spectacular in itself. Every twist and turn (there are many) unfolds another attraction, another place or worship and another set of Statues, although obviously not as big as the reclining Buddha.
I have been here more than a dozen times now and each time is just as special as the first. I haven`t had a customer and or a friend complain or say anything at is isn`t an adjective or a positive comment about this incredible Temple. I am sure you will feel the same way upon your visit!
Nanzoin Temple is a great start to an amazing day that you will have with your group privately touring the best that Fukuoka has to offer.
Here is Nanzoin Temple on a map: