Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka Prefecture is home to a beautiful bronze reclining Buddha statue, one that measures 41 metres in length and 11 metres in height, and weighs a hefty 300 tons.

The temple claims it is one of the biggest bronze statues in the world.

Whether it is the largest or not, it certainly is impressive but not that well-known internationally considering its size.

The statue, known as Nehan-zo in Japanese, meaning ‘Buddha in the state of Nirvana’, is fairly new, as it was only unveiled in 1995.

It was built to contain the sacred ashes of Gautama Buddha and two disciples, Ananda and Maudgalyayana.

The ashes were presented to the temple by Buddhists in Myanmar in recognition of the charitable work the temple has performed over the years for children in Myanmar and Nepal.

The small columns in front of the statue are called nokotsudo, where the remains of the deceased are stored. There are said to be 4,315 of these.

The statue is just the highlight of a temple complex which includes the old Nanzoin Temple itself, built in 1899, and numerous other shrines, altars, statues and a couple of tunnels.

The temple belongs to the Shingon Sect which was established at Mt. Koya between 1830-1844.

The scenery around the temple is superb, being built on a steep hillside covered in an ancient forest of cedar and redwood trees, with bamboo groves and blooming cherry trees in the spring.

Small waterfalls and streams, crossed with traditional Japanese bridges, red Torii gates and forest paths add to the beauty of the place.

Nanzoin Temple is the head temple and first amulet issuing office among the 88 temples, shrines and other sacred spots making up the Sasaguri mini pilgrimage route which covers 44 km and takes between three to seven days.

It is a scaled down replica of the Shikoku Buddhist pilgrimage route which is 1,200km long.

The temple is easily accessed by train from Fukuoka’s Hakata station. The temple is just a short walk from Kido Nanzoinmae station which is on the JR Sasaguri Line, which is part of the JR Fukuhoku-Yutaka Line.

If you’re in Fukuoka in the future, this is one attraction you don’t want to miss out on, especially if you’re a history and nature buff.

Nanzoin Temple
1035 Sasaguri
Kasuya District
Fukuoka 811-2405
Japan

Tel: 092 947 7195

Operating hours: 9am to 5pm, daily

Admission: Free, but there is a charge of ¥500 (US$5) to see the basement level prayer room underneath the statue.

This article first appeared on Malaysia Traveller.