We traveled here by JR train from Hakata station, when you arrive it’s a small walk to the temple. At first you will enter Kidonotaki Fudodo, here u can walk around in natura (quite a climb) to see buddhas. After u can visit the reclining Buddha, which was beautiful to see. We honestly expected it to be bigger due to other pictures, but it was still a lovely sight! It was very busy, but still enjoyable. We enjoyed an icecream up top. Entry: free

It's easy to get to, by train from Osaka. Then, on foot it is 15 minutes from the station, surrounded by greenery and stands out on the slope of the mountain. It's huge, and was built with the proceeds of a local monk's lottery win, and has been the temple of luck ever since!

This is a Buddhist temple known for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha. The compound was pretty huge and we got lost trying to find the main temple initially. However, we asked some friendly locals and we managed to find the main temple compound. It was a bit of a walk from the entrance to the bronze Buddha statue. It was pretty mind blowing to see the actual statue itself. Apparently there was a story to this temple and the bronze Buddha which you can read before visiting to make the trip more enlightening. There were benches at the top and a small cafe where I got a cup of coffee and my kids got themselves some soft serve ice cream. It was very serene sitting there admiring the statue blending into the environment of greeneries.

Having seen photos of the hydrangea pond, I returned for the first time in a while and found it to be crowded with people. I arrived just after 10:30 and was able to park my car in the car park near the JR station. The road from the direction of Fukuoka had been congested for quite some time. I was quite surprised to see so many people from around the station to the Reclining Buddha. The last time I was here, there was only one group of foreign tourists, many of whom were Korean, so things had changed. The hydrangea pond is not large but it was beautiful. It was my first time here in the warm season, and there was a notice saying that clothing that exposed knees and shoulders was not allowed. They seemed to lend out cloth to cover up with.

Nanzoin Temple, located in Fukuoka Prefecture, Japan, is known for its serene atmosphere and striking Buddhist structures. Here are some key features and characteristics of Nanzoin: History: Nanzoin was established in the late 19th century and has since become one of the prominent temples in the area. It is part of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Japanese Buddhism. Giant Reclining Buddha: One of the main attractions of Nanzoin is the impressive reclining Buddha statue, which is one of the largest in the world, measuring about 41 meters (135 feet) long. The statue represents the Buddha in a peaceful, reclining position, symbolizing his entry into Nirvana. Architecture: The temple buildings reflect traditional Japanese architectural styles, with wooden structures and beautiful gardens that enhance the peaceful environment. Culture and Practices: Nanzoin is a site for various religious activities, including ceremonies, meditation, and prayer. It attracts both locals and tourists who seek spiritual solace and cultural appreciation. Scenic Beauty: The temple is situated in a naturally beautiful setting, surrounded by lush greenery and hills, making it a picturesque location for visitors. Nanzoin Temple is a captivating destination that combines spiritual significance with stunning artistry, making it a must-visit for those exploring Buddhist heritage in Japan.

Just a 25 minute direct train from Hakata station - takes you to a sleepy place. Leave the station & immediately cross the Melody Bridge (unfortunately we didn't have a musical mallet to play the keys) The bridge has xylophone type keys across the bridge to play a tune. 2 minutes up the road & you enter the serene paths to Nanzoin. Lots of little paths lead off to various little books where statues rest. You pass through a low tunnel to come to the amazing reclining budda - it is big !!