Nanzoin Temple
Discover Nanzoin Temple, home to the world's largest reclining Buddha, offering a serene spiritual journey through its forest trails and shrines. [^T1...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
Nanzoin Temple
Best Time
Beat the crowds, find peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Nanzoin Temple, home to the world's largest reclining Buddha, offering a serene spiritual journey through its forest trails and shrines.
"This place is amazing. It’s really easy to go to the temple and it is definitely worth your time. "
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Get the temple all to yourself for a truly serene experience. :sunrise:
🚗 Parking & Train Access
Parking is available (approx. 400 JPY for 3 hrs), or take the JR train for easy access. :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Reclining Buddha
Main Hall
Marvel at the colossal 41-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world. Its sheer scale is breathtaking.
Pilgrimage Trail
Temple Grounds
Wander through serene forests and past numerous small shrines on this peaceful, spiritual walking route.
Nokotsudo Mausoleum
Temple Grounds
Explore the unique mausoleum housing over 4,000 ancestral tablets, set amidst a calming forest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Nanzoin Temple
Respectful Attire & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Get the temple all to yourself for a truly serene experience. :sunrise:
🚗 Parking & Train Access
Parking is available (approx. 400 JPY for 3 hrs), or take the JR train for easy access. :train2:
Taking pictures in Nanzoin Temple
The Reclining Buddha in Nanzoin Temple is in renovation
🎽 Borrowable Attire
Temple provides cloths if you're wearing shorts or revealing clothes. :clothing:
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Plenty of unique souvenirs available to purchase. :gift:
Dazaifu Tenmangu & Nanzoin Temple in One Day?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before Opening
Get the temple all to yourself for a truly serene experience. :sunrise:
🚗 Parking & Train Access
Parking is available (approx. 400 JPY for 3 hrs), or take the JR train for easy access. :train2:
🎽 Borrowable Attire
Temple provides cloths if you're wearing shorts or revealing clothes. :clothing:
🎁 Souvenir Shopping
Plenty of unique souvenirs available to purchase. :gift:
🙏 Inside the Buddha
You can actually go inside the reclining Buddha statue! :statueofliberty:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nanzoin Temple is widely praised for its magnificent reclining Buddha and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the serene pilgrimage trail and the unique experience of entering the Buddha statue. While the entrance fee for foreigners is noted, most find the visit well worth the time and cost for its impressive scale and spiritual ambiance.
"Really beautiful temple about half an hour away from Fukuoka. It is very accessible by train and is definitely worth your time. Not only do you get to see the largest reclining Buddha in the world, but also walk through the calming forest, stopping at various small shrines along the way. The staff here is also very kind and helpful. Please follow the rules here to have the best experience. If you wear shorts or revealing clothes, they do have cloths for you to borrow."
kat
"This place is amazing. It’s really easy to go to the temple me and my family we rent the car so it’s very easy to go there. We parked around that area 3 hr 400¥, which is very reasonable price. As well as you can go to the temple by JR train."
phatthanan
"🌿 Peaceful and Impressive Temple Visit in Japan 🌿
This temple is very spacious and incredibly peaceful. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, with lots of trees, a pond, and adorable statues scattered around. It’s easy to get here — there’s a parking lot available and it’s also close to the train station, which is very convenient for travelers.
Around the temple grounds, there are places to pray and explore. You can take your time walking around and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
The highlight is the Giant Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple — it’s absolutely massive and breathtaking in person. Photos can’t truly capture how impressive it is. If you visit Japan, this is definitely a place you should see with your own eyes. Highly recommended! 🌟"
Nana Relax
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Nanzoin Temple is easily accessible by train. Take the JR Sasaguri Line from Hakata Station to Kido-Nanzoin-mae Station, which is just a short walk from the temple. Driving is also an option with parking available on-site.
Yes, Nanzoin Temple is very accessible by public transport. The closest station is Kido-Nanzoin-mae Station on the JR Sasaguri Line, making it a convenient destination for travelers.
There is a parking lot available near the temple. Reviews suggest it costs around 400 JPY for 3 hours, which is considered a reasonable price.
The train journey from Hakata Station (Fukuoka's main station) to Kido-Nanzoin-mae Station typically takes about 20-25 minutes. The temple is then a short walk away.
Yes, the temple is well-signposted from the train station and is a prominent landmark. Many visitors find it straightforward to locate.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, Nanzoin Temple charges a 300 yen entrance fee for foreign visitors. This fee helps cover cleaning and security costs.
The entrance fee is specifically for foreign visitors. Long-term residents are exempt. There are no other general discounts mentioned.
While specific hours aren't always listed, visitors recommend arriving around opening time to enjoy the tranquility. It's best to check locally or aim for early morning.
No advance booking is typically required for Nanzoin Temple. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
The fee is reportedly to cover cleaning and security costs, and to address nuisance behavior from some visitors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The undisputed main attraction is the colossal 41-meter-long reclining Buddha statue, one of the largest in the world.
Yes, you can! Visitors can enter the reclining Buddha statue, which houses a unique experience and offers a different perspective.
Beyond the Buddha, explore the peaceful forest, numerous small shrines along the pilgrimage trail, and the Nokotsudo mausoleum with over 4,000 ancestral tablets.
Absolutely. The temple grounds feature a calming forest and a well-maintained pilgrimage trail that many visitors find incredibly peaceful and spiritual.
It's recommended to dress modestly. If you wear shorts or revealing clothing, the temple provides cloths to borrow to ensure respectful attire.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most areas of Nanzoin Temple, allowing you to capture the impressive scale of the reclining Buddha and the serene surroundings.
The area in front of the reclining Buddha offers iconic shots. The pilgrimage trail with its many shrines also provides beautiful photographic opportunities.
While you can enter the reclining Buddha, it's advisable to check for any specific restrictions on photography inside. The exterior shots are usually the most impactful.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the full scale of the reclining Buddha. For the shrines along the trail, a standard zoom or prime lens will work well.
No major restrictions are commonly mentioned, but always be mindful of other visitors and maintain respectful behavior while taking photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The pilgrimage trail through the forest provides a safe and interesting space for children to walk and explore, with many small shrines to discover along the way.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
The temple's accessibility by train makes it an easy day trip from Fukuoka, allowing for a focused and unhurried exploration.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Reclining Buddha
The experience of visiting the Buddha is enhanced by the fact that you can actually enter the statue itself. Inside, you'll find a unique space that offers a different perspective on the monument. This area is often described as a spiritual journey, with various elements and inscriptions to observe.
The area surrounding the reclining Buddha is designed to be peaceful and contemplative. Visitors are encouraged to take their time, absorb the atmosphere, and appreciate the craftsmanship and spiritual aura of this magnificent structure.
Exploring the Temple Grounds and Pilgrimage Trail
A highlight for many visitors is the pilgrimage trail, which winds through a calming forest. This path is lined with stone lanterns and leads to various sacred sites, creating a sense of journey and discovery.
The temple also features a Nokotsudo mausoleum, a unique structure that houses over 4,000 ancestral tablets. This adds another layer of historical and cultural depth to the visit. The combination of natural beauty, spiritual sites, and historical elements makes exploring the grounds a rewarding experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit