I usually go on shrine visits, so going to a temple was a bit different for me — and super interesting! Even the Jizo statues in the main hall had a unique vibe.
This time, I’m sharing my visit to Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri Town, Fukuoka.
What You’ll Learn from This Article:
・The origin story of the Great Buddha
・What kind of blessings you can receive at Nanzoin Temple
・Three must-see spots at Nanzoin Temple
I hope you find it helpful👍
🛫旅地図 日本🛫
So, What Is a Great Buddha Anyway?
A “Daibutsu” (Great Buddha) is a common term used to refer to large statues of Buddha. In Buddhist regions across Asia, massive stone carvings—such as cliffside Buddhas known as Magai-butsu—have been created since ancient times.
The term specifically refers to Buddha statues that are taller than 1 jō 6 shaku (approximately 4.85 meters or 15.9 feet). According to legend, this was the actual height of the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni, and statues built to this size are called Jōroku-butsu.
The tradition of constructing Great Buddha statues is believed to have started as a way to bring peace and comfort to the people during times of natural disasters or widespread outbreaks of diseases like smallpox—using the teachings of Buddhism to ease public anxiety.
The Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple in Sasaguri Town, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture, is said to be the largest bronze reclining Buddha in the world. How big is it? I’ll tell you more later!
What blessings can you receive at Nanzoin Temple?
The main blessing of this Great Buddha is, without a doubt, financial fortune!
Apparently, the head priest here has won the lottery more than 30 times, and in 1995, he won 130 million yen in the Jumbo Lottery… it’s truly incredible!
After that, a Daikokudo Hall dedicated to the god Daikokuten was built.
You can receive a talisman at the Daikokudo Hall.
There’s a story that someone won the lottery by wrapping their ticket in a Daikokuten talisman, and as a result, many people have started buying the Daikoku Talisman here. The Daikoku Talisman (500 yen) is definitely a must-buy for anyone purchasing lottery tickets, as it’s believed to bring good fortune.
“I drew a mizu-mikuji (water fortune) here. This might be my first time doing a water fortune!”
☆Mizu-mikuji refers to a type of fortune written on paper that dissolves in water, revealing the fortune inside. If you’d like more detail or a different phrasing, feel free to ask!
Top 3 Recommended Spots at Nanzoin Temple
The Thunder God Carved on the Sacred Tree
It is said that the cedar tree, originally planted on the temple grounds, was struck by lightning, which led to the creation of this legend.
When lightning strikes a tree, it is believed that the Thunder God resides within it. The Thunder God was then directly carved into the tree’s bark where it had peeled off, and the tree became regarded as a sacred tree.
I can see that the Thunder God is carved into this tree, but I wonder how the areas where the bark has peeled off all the way up are created…
Main Hall of Nanzoin Temple
In the Main Hall of Nanzoin Temple, the principal deities enshrined are the Amida Buddha of Koyasan Bekkaku Honzan Nanzoin and the Shakyamuni Buddha of the Sasaguri 88 Sacred Sites Pilgrimage, Sacred Site No. 1.
There is a place at the front where you can offer incense and coins.
Right next to it, there are rows of Jizo statues. One of them is the Okakae Jizo, where you lift a Jizo statue while making a wish. If it feels light, your wish will come true; if it’s heavy, it teaches you to put in more effort.
My husband and I each lifted a separate Jizo statue, but both of them were heavy… so I guess it means we need to work harder! 💦
Shakyamuni Reclining Buddha (The World’s Largest Bronze Statue)
The highlight of Nanzenji Temple is undoubtedly this massive Shakyamuni Reclining Buddha!
Established in 1995 (Heisei 7), the statue measures 41 meters in length, 11 meters in height, and weighs an astonishing 300 tons. It is said to be one of the largest bronze reclining Buddha statues in the world.
For many years, Nanzoin Temple has been sending medicines, stationery, and other supplies to children in countries like Myanmar and Nepal.
In 1988, as a gesture of thanks, the Myanmar Buddhist Council presented relics of Shakyamuni, Ananda, and Maudgalyayana to the temple.
The massive Shakyamuni Reclining Buddha was then built as the place to enshrine these relics.
The Buddha’s feet on this Reclining Buddha statue are also impressive.
Each pattern on the Buddha’s feet has its own meaning.
月王相(げつおうそう)Moon King Symbol (Getsuōsō) – [Harmonious Marriage]
Since India is a hot country, the cool moonlight is symbolized as a precious blessing. This moon is depicted as burning red.
花文相Flower Pattern Symbol (Kabon-sō) – [Happy Family]
This pattern represents the auspicious seven signs, which are variations of flower shapes.
双魚相Dual Fish Symbol (Sōgyo-sō) – [Health and Longevity]
Two fish are depicted. It is said that the god Vishnu, when transformed into the Buddha, bestowed eternal life and vitality.
金剛杵相(こんごうしょそう)Vajra Symbol (Kongōshōsō) – [Protection from Disasters]
Under the thumb is a spear. A cord is tied to the spear, symbolizing a power that prevents evil forces from approaching.
宝瓶相(ほうひんそう)Treasure Vase Symbol (Hōhin-sō) – [Financial Prosperity]
A lotus flower is blooming with a clean, pure water-filled vase—representing a treasure-filled jar.
螺王相Conch Shell Symbol (Rāō-sō) – [Business Prosperity]
Similar to the sound of a conch shell, this symbolizes the spreading of Buddhist teachings far and wide.
千輻輪相(せんぷくりんそう)Thousand-Spoked Wheel Symbol (Senpukurin-sō) – [Intellectual Growth]
The rays of the sun spread out in all directions, symbolizing the breaking of the darkness of worldly desires.
梵王頂相(ぼんのうちょうそう)Brahma Crown Symbol (Bonnōchō-sō) – [Unleashing Talents]
A mountain shrouded in clouds with the sun (wheel treasure, Shakyamuni) emerging symbolizes the threefold teachings of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
When I looked it up, I found that each symbol has its own meaning. However, perhaps because it comes from Indian culture, there were many meanings that were hard to fully understand in the context of Japan.
Buddhism is something I still need to study more, as there’s so much I don’t understand yet.
Summary & Access
The size of the Shakyamuni Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple is truly impressive!
With this little piece of knowledge in mind, be sure to visit Nanzoin Temple.
【Address】
1035 Sasaguri, Sasaguri Town, Kasuya District, Fukuoka Prefecture
【Opening hours】
９：００～１６：３０
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