CULTURE & TRAVEL
Meet the Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka, Japan
Experienced by Kimatni and MiKaiya Rawlins
It was a momentous experience in Sasaguri, Fukuoka, Japan for my daughter MiKaiya Ma’at Sumi Rawlins’ 20th birthday and family reunion trip. She has increasingly embraced the principles of Buddhism, so it was opportune to journey to Nanzoin Temple to commune with the Reclining Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world. Lying in its nirvana position, the massive Buddha is 41 meters long, 11 meters tall, and weighs 300 tons.
The surrounding grounds of the Shingon Buddhist temple (one of the primary schools of Buddhism in Japan) are fascinating and consist of various levels of sanctuary, shrines, omnipresent smaller buddhas, waterfalls, Koi fish ponds, a restaurant serving soba and udon noodles, and of course gift shops. Inside the bronze structure are the ashes of Buddha and two Buddhist devotees, Ānanda and Maudgalyayana.
MiKaiya was captivated by the spiritual presence of the atmosphere and left enlightened. She said the journey cleansed her soul, leaving her light as a feather. We also hiked a steep trail through a hidden bamboo forest to the mountaintop, where time stood still amongst the pure air and majestic landscape.
Amazingly, Nanzoin Temple receives more than 1 million visitors annually. To get there, simply catch the 20-minute express JR Sasaguri Line from Hakata Station to Kido Nanzoin-mae Station. The property is open year-round and free except for the prayer hall, which we also took part in by joining a sitting Buddhist giving praise to divine incantations.
Accordingly, the next time you visit Fukuoka, Japan and feel like paying homage to the principles of Buddhism, make sure to witness the Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin Temple in person.
Lastly, start your visa process early because receiving your return documents and passport may take longer than expected. I've had friends reach out and say it's been over a month when the standard processing time is 15 to 20 days. And you cannot walk into Ghana’s U.S. Embassy since everything is handled through the mail.
