Visit Fukuoka - Nanzo-In Temple

One of my must-dos in Fukuoka was to see the giant bronze statue of a reclining Buddha at Nanzo-in Temple. Relocated to Sasaguri in 1899, Nanzo-in is the main location among the 88 temples that make up the Sasaguri pilgrimage route, a famous walking pilgrimage in Japan. The statue was built in 1995 and has a total length of 41 meters, height of 11 meters, and weight of 300 tons. It is the world’s largest bronze statue of the Buddha reclining as he enters Nirvana.

The temple entrance is a three minute walk away from the JR Kido Nanzoin-mae Station. The cost of entrance to the temple is 300 yen per person, but free for children under 18. You can also view the interior of the statue for a fee of 500 yen. The temple hours are usually 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the last entry at 4:30 p.m. Most importantly, there is a dress code and guests wearing inappropriate clothing are not permitted. Be sure to dress in clothing that covers your shoulders, stomach, and up to your knees.

I really enjoyed the visit to the temple. Walking through the forest pathway was very serene and the statue is a beautiful sight to take in. While you are there, you can also purchase amulets and charms for good fortune and health.

The engravings symbolize various Buddhist teachings. People touch and leave coins at the feet for good luck.

Japanese amulet or good luck charms for a variety of specific desires such as good health, success in exams, safe travel, or love.

Visitors can ring the bell for purification and mental clarity.

Nanzo-in Temple

1035 Sasaguri, Kasuyagun Sasagurimachi

Fukuoka, Japan

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Visit Tokyo: Sensoji

Sensoji is Tokyo's oldest temple, having opened in 645.

After entering through the Kaminarimon and walking along the Akasuka Nakamise Shopping street, we, we approached the Hōzōmon and made a quick walk-through of the temple grounds to take photos of the five-story pagoda and the surrounding blooms.

It's a very picturesque area, and I hope on the next visit we'll get to explore more of the temple grounds.

Sensoji
Japan, 〒111-0032 Tokyo, Taitō, Asakusa, 2 Chome−3−1
+81 3-3842-0181

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Visit Tokyo: Zojoji Temple

Zojoji is the "The Chief Temple of the Jodo-Buddist Sect."  It was very close to the hotel we stayed at in Tokyo, so early one cold, rainy morning, we went for a visit.

Pouring rain!

The grounds of the Temple are fairly large, but because of how cold and rainy it was, we only did a quick walk through of a small area.

Sangedatsumon (Main Gate)

Daibonsho (Big Bell)

Cleansing station

Daiden (Hondo: Main Hall)

Cleansing Station

Kumano (Yuya) Shrine

There is great significance to the positioning and location of the temple, as well as to other aspects of the grounds, like the number of stairs leading to the main hall.

Zojoji Temple is a very popular site for cherry blossom viewing, and we did see some as the season had just begun.

On the grounds you'll see hundreds of little statues called "care guardian deities of children." In addition as acting as a memorial for still birth or miscarried children, these statues also serve the purpose of protecting the safety of growing children and grandchildren. The statues are often donned with a red hat, red apron, and red pinwheel.

I hope to visit again when the weather is nicer, so we can see more of the area and take a closer look at the beautiful temple.

Zojoji Temple
Japan, 〒105-0011 Tokyo

港区Shibakoen, 4−7−35
+81 3-3432-1431

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