Nanzoin Temple: The world's largest bronze reclining Buddha statue
This is a part of my third visit to Japan dated July 24 - 30, 2023. I spent July 24 to the early morning of July 26 in my Mount Fuji Climb and related activities, the whole day of July 26 was my Hiroshima Day Tour and the eve of July 26 until July 30 was this Fukuoka trip.
DAY 1: UNPLAN FUKUOKA - OUR ACCOMMODATION
Note: Pictures courtesy of Unplan Fukuoka website
Unplan Fukuoka Accommodation
It was already 10:10 P.M. when Beng Sia, my travel buddy, and I arrived in our Unplan Fukuoka accommodation on the eve of July 26. Unplan Fukuoka offers a reasonable price for such a comfortable and convenient stay while in Fukuoka where our 3-day stay only costs P12,089 or US$204.95 good for two persons since it was a double room. I booked it in peso currency so I do not have a Japanese Yen amount here. So, my share is only is P6,044.50 or US102.48.
It is convenient since from subway Hakata Station, it is five train stations away. So, from Hakata, Gion, Nakasu-Kawabata, Tenjin, Akasaka and Ohori Park. From Ohori Park train station, exit at Gate 4 and use stairs going up, and from the ground, it is only a block away. At 12-minute subway train ride costing 260 Yen or US$1.67 or P98.71. Then, the good thing is, from Ohori Park to Fukuoka International Airport is only 8 train stations away: Ohori Park, Akasaka, Tenjin, Nakasu-Kawabata, Gion, Hakata, Higasi-hie and Fukuoka Airport for 260 Yen cost also at the Kuko or Airport Line.
Our room accommodation
A cheaper option: The Capsule accommodation at P7,660 or US$129.90 for 3 days
Had I been alone in my trip, I could have booked this mixed room capsule accommodation. This was supposedly the rate when I was booking for accommodation in Philippine peso.
The interior of this capsule accommodation
There is enough space inside the capsule accommodation. It has a locker for very small valuables. It has its own electric lamp and electric socket for charging gadgets and in fact, I can work inside with my laptop. It is very private since you can close the curtain. It also has hangers for a few of your clothes.
Ground floor lobby
The ground floor lobby is not only used for registration but during the morning, this serves as the dining for free breakfast. Yes, during our check-in, we paid additional 200 yen per day for lodging fee or US$1.29 or P75.90. By the way, this is a 5-storey building. Accommodations from from 2nd to 5th floor.
Shared bath room (separate for male and female)
Comfort rooms and bath rooms are shared. But I never experienced to have traffic or waiting for my turn. Bath rooms are provided with body wash, shampoo and hair drier.
The spacious and comfortable Guests' Lounge
At the 5th floor is the spacious guests' lounge where guests can cook food, wash, dry and iron clothes. Coins are used for the washing and drier machines. A cost of 400 Yen or US$ 2.58 or P151can be enough for laundry. There are two big freezers and refrigerators for storing food. Nobody will touch your food. Plates, mugs, glasses and cutleries are available for use, but you have to wash it. Even cooking utensils are also available. The whole building offers very fast wi-fi connection. Another good thing here, if you arrived very early since you have to check-in at 4:00 P.M., you can stay at this lounge. Drinking water is available.
The washing and drier machines
Since, the check-out is at 11:00 A.M., and my flight is at 10:00 P.M., I stay at the guests' lounge to wash, dry and iron my clothes and continue to stay there to work in my laptop. Or if you want to leave and check-out at 11AM, you can leave your luggage at the reception's desk while you intend to have shopping and pick up these luggage when you are already heading at the airport at 8P.M. or beyond.
DAY 2: KITAKYUSHU CITY DAY TOUR
While at Hakata Main Station booking for our Shinkansen Trail pass
It was the Kokura Castle is the reason why we visited Kitakyushu City. This city is still a part of Fukuoka Prefecture. Kokura is a historic castle town, now a central district (Kokura Kita-ku). It is located on the northern tip of the island of Kyushu, strategically positioned at the Kanmon Straits connecting to Honshu. It's famous for its rebuilt Kokura Castle.
Arriving at the Kokura Train Station
Kokura is an ancient castle town and the center of modern Kitakyushu in Japan and also the name of the penultimate station on the southbound Sanyo Shinkansen line, which is owned by JR West.
Food greeted us upon arrival at the Kokura Train Station Mall
How to go to Kokura Castle from Ohohi Park Station:
Step 1
Take the subway train from Ohori Park boarding from Platform 1(departure) heading to Hakata Main station for 5 stops (Akasaka, Tenjin, Nakasu-Kawabata, Gion and Hakata) for 10 minutes at a distance of 4.4 kilometers costing 260 Yen or US$1.68 or P98.80.
Step 2
While at Hakata Main Station, look for the Shinkansen ticketing office. Be sure to secure your rail pass to your identified destination. There will be 6 stops for 67.2 Kilometers for 60 minutes. For Departure, use Platform 2 and for Arrival use Platform 7
Impressed of this bike parking facility
We were lost in locating the direction heading to Kokura Castle. From the Kokura train station to the castle is a 15-minute walk of a distance of 1.1 kilometers.
Location Map of the Kokura Station and Kokura Castle
Step 3
From the Kokura Station, three blocks heading to the SAINTcity Shopping Mall. Then, turn right ang walk five blocks away, where you will pass thru the Ichiran Kokura - a specific branch of the famous Japanese ramen chain Ichiran, known for its customizable, rich pork-bone (tonkotsu) ramen, served in a unique solo dining style with individual "flavor concentration booths," perfect for focusing on the food.
Step 4
Cross the picturesque Murasaki River through Naka no Hashi (Taiyo no Hashi) Bridge. At the end of the bridge, turn right heading to Kokura Castle Garden, then walk further and locate the gate of Kokura Castle.
The River Museum
Before crossing the Naka no Hashi Bridge, we happened to roam around the River Museum which has no entrance fee. Actually, there is no specific River Museum building in Kokura. In its vicinity, tourists will see the river-related history and scenic spots like the Mojiko Retro Area (old port, historic buildings) and beautiful waterways around Kokura Castle, plus museums like the Kyushu Railway History Museum (port history) and the TOTO Museum (sanitary ware evolution), all rich in local history and culture near water features.
Crossing the Naka no Hashi Bridge with the backdrop of Izutsuya Kokura (brown building)
Izutsuya Kokura is a prominent department store situated in the heart of Kokura, Kitakyushi City conveniently located between JR Kokura station and Kokura Castle. It is also very close to Uomachi shopping arcade. It offers a wide range of products, from fashion and cosmetics to home goods and gourmet foods, it caters to both locals and tourists. The store features multiple floors of shopping, along with restaurants and cafes that provide unique culinary experiences. Additionally, Izutsuya often hosts cultural events and exhibitions that showcase local artisans and traditions, making it a vibrant part of the community and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the area.
Still at the Naka no Hashi Bridge
The Naka no Hashi Bridge in Kokura (Kitakyushu) is a famous landmark over the Murasaki River, also called the "Bridge of the Sun" (Taiyo no Hashi), known for its distinctive mosaic art featuring sunflowers, offering great views of Kokura Castle and the Riverwalk, and serving as a key connection point in the city center, easily accessible from JR Nishi-Kokura Station.
The scenic Murasaki River captured from Naka no Hashi Bridge
Another angle shot of Naka no Hashi Bridge
Kokura Castle Garden can be found at the villa ruins of the former Ogasawara Tadazane. It features of the garden include a reconstructed strolling garden with pond (based on the relics from the Edo Era (early 1600's - late 1800's and a replica of the "daimyo", or feudal lord's residence. Visitors can learn about the history of Japanese etiquette as well as Japanese life and culture at the exhibition hall, or enjoy the view of the castle tower from the wide veranda.
Photo credit to Crossroad Fukuoka Website
During autumn, this is the view taken from the veranda of Kokura Castle Garden where it has a distance to the castle of 56 meters, but with a separate gate.
Kokura Castle Garden
Kokura Castle Garden is the first attraction the guests will see and it has a separate entrance. It also has a museum. I bought a combo ticket both for Kokura Castle Garden and the Castle for 700 Yen. For the Kokura Castle Garden only costs 300 Yen and for the castle only, it is 350 Yen.
The Torii Gate to Yasaka Shrine
Yasaka Shrine is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, which is celebrated every July. Arguably the most famous festival in the whole country, the Gion Matsuri dates back over a thousand years and involves a procession with massive floats and hundreds of participants.
The Yasaka Shrine
The best time to visit Yasaka Shrine is during the weekdays to avoid crowds and get the best experience of the shrine, usually early in the morning to take the best photographs or late at night to immense in the beautiful lantern view.
Still a part of the Yasaka Shrine
The entry to the Kitakyushu Kokura Castle
Kokura Castle is a castle in Kitakyushu City of Japan. It was built by Hosokawa Tadaoki starting in 1602, with construction completed in 1608.
The Kitakyushu Kokura Castle
Kokura Castle played a pivotal role in the history of the area. Construction started at the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1867) in 1602, and took about seven years. The castle was the property of the Ogasawara clan between 1632 and 1866 but was burnt down in 1866 during the war between the Kokura and Choshu clans.
Capturing Kokura Castle outside
Capturing the castle outside
The Kokura Castle Area guide map
It was funny to note that I just saw this area guide map when I exited from the Kokura Castle. More or less, this will help you to navigate the whole area.
Capturing Riverwalk Kitakyushu at the backdrop
Riverwalk Kitakyushu is a highly functional cultural, artistic, informational and commercial complex surrounded by lush greenery and historical sites (such as Katsuyama Park, Kokura Castle and the Murasaki River, just to name a few). The complex presents a conglomerate of colorful and unique buildings.
The aerial view of Kokura Castle Complex and Riverwalk Kitakyushu (Crossroad Fukuoka)
Riverwalk Kitakyushu was built as a part of Kitakyushu City’s redevelopment
project. Aside from its commercial facilities, the complex features a
full-scale theater (“Kitakyushu Performing Arts Center”) as well as NHK’s
Kitakyushu Broadcast Station (which offers a tour) and Asahi Shimbun
newspaper’s office. With the additions of the Nishinippon Institute of
Technology in 2006 and the “Kitakyushu Municipal Museum of Art, Riverwark
Gallery”, the complex has become a beacon of comprehensive culture.
DAY 3: NANZOIN TEMPLE DAY TOUR
Nanzo-in Temple Complex is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Sasaguri, Fukuoka, Japan. It is notable for its bronze statue of a reclining Buddha, said to be the largest bronze statue in the world.
Arriving at the Kindonanzoimmae train station
How to go to Nanzoin Temple from Ohori Park
To get to Nanzoin Temple from Ohori Park Station, take the subway to Hakata Station, then transfer to the JR line to Kidonanzoimmae Station, followed by a short walk to the temple; there's no direct route, involving subway and local train segments.
Here are the step-by-step instructions:
Step 1
Subway from Ohori Park Station to Hakati Station: From Ohori Park Station, take the Fukuoka City Subway (Kuko Line - Airport/Kaizuka bound) toward Hakata. Ride the subway to Hakata Station for approximately 5-10 minutes.
Step 2
Transfer to JR Line at Hakata Station: At Hakata Station, follow signs for JR trains. Board the JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line (Local) heading towards Keikokogyo or Nogata.
Step 3
Train to Kidonanzoimmae Station: Get off at Kidonanzoimmae Station, which is the stop for Nanzoin Temple for about 20-30 minutes ride from Hakata.
Step 4
Walk to Nanzoin Temple: From Kidonanzoimmae Station, it's a short walk to Nanzoin Temple. Follow signs or use your map app for the final short walk for around 5-10 minutes to the temple grounds.
Nanzoin Temple Complex Map (japan-suki.com)
Part of the 5-10 minutes walk
Part of the 5-10 minutes walk can be seen some souvenir shops and restaurants. Food stalls are quite inviting to eat.
Nanzoin Main Gate
Within the vicinity of the Main Nanzoin Main Hall
Such a refreshing place
With my travel buddy Beng Sia
Still a part of worship
Nanzoin Temple rules emphasize respectful, quiet worship, requiring modest dress (shoulders, stomach, knees covered), banning eating/smoking/alcohol while walking, and prohibiting loud noises, selfie sticks, tripods, or revealing clothing (shorts above knees, miniskirts). Photography is restricted in many areas, and tattoos must be covered, as it's a sacred, functioning place, not just a tourist spot.
The Nanzoin Main Hall and its vicinity
Potable drinking water
If you see Japanese people drinking from a specific fountain or stream, it's a good sign; otherwise, buy bottled water at a convenience store (konbini) for peace of mind.
Fudoumyouou or Fudo statue at the background
The magically green Fudo Statue vicinity
Fudoumyouou is a fierce Buddhist deity said to protect worshipers from disasters or harm. In the autumn, the trees behind the Fudo Statue turn a vivid red, which makes this an amazing and dynamic photo spot. You will find a number of visitors at this time stopping and taking a break on the benches to gaze at the sight of the maple leaves and this statue.
Such a relaxing platform
The Shichifukujin Tunnel leading to the Reclining Buddha
This tunnel at the Nanzoin Temple is a narrow passage featuring statues of the seven gods of fortune that leads to the giant reclining Buddha, but its exact length isn't specified, though it's a short, significant walk to the massive 41-meter-long Reclining Buddha statue itself.
The tunnel's interior
This looks great and stunning during autumn
As the walk continues to the Reclining Buddha
As we start to go down
We passed through this point
Day 4 was spent by us buying pasalubong from Hakata Mall and since the check-out time was 11AM at Unplan Fukuoka, I stayed on its guests' lounge having my laundry and left the place at 6:00 P.M. heading to Fukuoka International Airport for my return flight for Manila.
