Sasaguri Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Apr)

Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka

Beautiful temple in the middle of nature. There are several paths leading to different altars. There's a train station nearby, but if you are driving, there is a big parking lot one street down - if the small parking lots in front of the temple are full. it's a 30-minute drive from downtown Fukuoka. It is possible to pay 500 yen and enter the Buddha statue. You also get to write a wish and give it for a monk's blessing. All instructions are in Japanese though. Make sure to wear knee length shorts or pants. Tatoos should also be covered. There's also a nice restaurant at the back of the souvenir shop at the bottom of the slope.

Nanzoin Temple is the same size as New York's Statue of Liberty, the reclining Buddha of Nanzoin Temple, in Sasaguri, Fukuoka, Japan. This area has recently become a popular place for tourists, as you can enjoy both traditional Japanese culture and breathe in the fresh air from the mountains here as well. If you walk around the statue, you will notice that there is a design on the sole of the Buddha's foot. The Bussoku, or Buddha's Foot, was the subject of prayer in early Indian Buddhism. This design carries the precious teachings and merciful heart of the Buddha. You can also walk around and see the other side of the Buddha too. Being able to worship the Buddha from any side, all the while appreciating the amazing size of the statue itself is incredible. #givethanks #givethanks

Fukuoka Off-the-Beaten-Path | A Non-Driving Day Trip Guide to Deep Mountains and Islands

Fukuoka is not just about shopping! If you're also interested in lesser-known spots and natural landscapes, why not take a look at the following Fukuoka day trip itinerary away from the crowds? 🗓Itinerary: 1⃣️ Nanzoin 1. Visit the world's largest bronze Buddha statue p1 2. Wander through the Japanese deep mountains and discover the various shrines hidden within p2-4 📝Note tips: It is recommended to go in the morning, and a careful visit takes 1-2 hours. Dress code requires clothing that covers the knees, but it's okay if you don't meet the standard, as staff will provide free fabric and safety pins🧷 to wrap around your waist. 2⃣️ Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture 1. Stroll along the beach in Itoshima p1 Sakurai Futamiura Couple Rocks is one of the few torii gates built over the sea in Japan, with many free photo spots along the way📷 easy to take great pictures 2. Visit a scenic cafe and zone out to the sound of the waves p5 There are several cafes near the Couple Rocks to choose from, each with stunning views! 3. Enjoy a meal with the sunset and sea view p6-7 Restaurant address: 1119-1 Imaizumi Aoki, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, inside California BBQ Beach 📝Note tips: It is suggested to head to Itoshima from Nanzoin around noon, arriving around 14:00 gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos🏝️ 🚉Transportation Tips: 1⃣️ To Nanzoin Take the JC Fukuhoku Yutaka Line to 'Kido Nanzoin-mae Station' and then walk, just a 20-minute train ride from Hakata Station 2⃣️ Nanzoin to Itoshima (Sakurai Futamiura Couple Rocks) Take the JC Fukuhoku Yutaka Line back to Hakata Station, then transfer to the Airport Line for about 30 minutes to 'Kyudai Gakkentoshi Station', and then take a bus (Nishinoura Line) for about 30 minutes to 'Futamiura Couple Rocks-mae' 📝Note tips: The bus (Nishinoura Line) runs once an hour, so it's recommended to check the Google Maps timetable when going and not to miss the last bus on the way back! The bus journey along the coast offers superb views that really make you feel at ease🤩

Nature Stroll | Charming Sasaguri

We visited Nanzoin for the first time during the early fall in October. The season lasts roughly from mid September, through October and November, and into early December. Pleasant weather, cool but mild with magnificent and breathtaking view. So impressed by the beauty, the harmony of yellow, light green, orange and cardinal red of the maple and ginko trees. Particularly impressive is the foliage around Nanzoin, with a giant 41-meter bronze reclining in Buddha statue nestled in the mountains of Sasaguri. Suggest to visit during the morning. The weather was just perfect. Take time to stroll, from the train station crossing the melogy bridge and enjoy the tranquility and peacefulness of the temple, shrines and natural beauty. This charming city is definitely worth to visit and explore, you are sure to be awe-struck by its charm and good vibes. Highly recommended. Excellent visit. Note: There are few rules when visiting the Nanzoin, a sacred place of worship. Visitors are reminded to be quiet, not to eat or drink on the grounds and no selfie sticks. Entrance to the temple is free. Location: Sasaguri, Kasuya District, Fukuoka, Japan Getting there - 20 minutes by train from Hakata Station to Kidonanzoin-mae Station, then another 5-minute walk from the station Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm #fallingseason #helloautumn #celebratewithtrip #japan #fukuoka #awesomepic #tripblazers #urbanexplorer #wecreate

Romantic Sakurai Sunset, perfect for couples!

During my recent visit to Japan, I had the opportunity to visit Sakurai Shrine Futamigaura Torii, a picturesque Shinto shrine located in the city of Ise. The shrine is known for its distinctive torii gate, which stands in the water and is a popular spot for sunset viewing. I drove there (30 min drive from Fukuoka City) and arrived just in time to see the sun go down behind the shrine, casting a beautiful orange glow over the water. The shrine's "Couple Stones" are also a must-see attraction, as they are said to bring good luck to couples. If you're looking for a peaceful and romantic spot to watch the sunset, Sakurai Shrine Futamigaura Torii is definitely worth a visit. #beachlife#urbanexplorer#mytripvlog#tripblazers#awesomepic#本地遊

Such a meaningful place in Fukuoka

One of Fukuoka's most picturesque sites is Sakurai Futamigaura Couple Rock. It is the ideal location to capture a priceless photo. These two rocks joined by rope symbolizes the marriage, and there is a Torii gate. #tripmoments #japan #fukuoka #scenery #view #tripblazers

Fukuoka Off-the-Beaten-Path | A Non-Driving Day Trip Guide to Deep Mountains and Islands

Fukuoka is not just about shopping! If you're also interested in lesser-known spots and natural landscapes, why not take a look at the following Fukuoka day trip itinerary away from the crowds? 🗓Itinerary: 1⃣️ Nanzoin 1. Visit the world's largest bronze Buddha statue p1 2. Wander through the Japanese deep mountains and discover the various shrines hidden within p2-4 📝Note tips: It is recommended to go in the morning, and a careful visit takes 1-2 hours. Dress code requires clothing that covers the knees, but it's okay if you don't meet the standard, as staff will provide free fabric and safety pins🧷 to wrap around your waist. 2⃣️ Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture 1. Stroll along the beach in Itoshima p1 Sakurai Futamiura Couple Rocks is one of the few torii gates built over the sea in Japan, with many free photo spots along the way📷 easy to take great pictures 2. Visit a scenic cafe and zone out to the sound of the waves p5 There are several cafes near the Couple Rocks to choose from, each with stunning views! 3. Enjoy a meal with the sunset and sea view p6-7 Restaurant address: 1119-1 Imaizumi Aoki, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, inside California BBQ Beach 📝Note tips: It is suggested to head to Itoshima from Nanzoin around noon, arriving around 14:00 gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos🏝️ 🚉Transportation Tips: 1⃣️ To Nanzoin Take the JC Fukuhoku Yutaka Line to 'Kido Nanzoin-mae Station' and then walk, just a 20-minute train ride from Hakata Station 2⃣️ Nanzoin to Itoshima (Sakurai Futamiura Couple Rocks) Take the JC Fukuhoku Yutaka Line back to Hakata Station, then transfer to the Airport Line for about 30 minutes to 'Kyudai Gakkentoshi Station', and then take a bus (Nishinoura Line) for about 30 minutes to 'Futamiura Couple Rocks-mae' 📝Note tips: The bus (Nishinoura Line) runs once an hour, so it's recommended to check the Google Maps timetable when going and not to miss the last bus on the way back! The bus journey along the coast offers superb views that really make you feel at ease🤩

"Couple's Stone" - Sakurai Futamigaura

Not far from Fukuoka city centre we went on a ride by car along the astonishing coastline of the prefecture and found many magical places along the way from small fisherman villages, where you can find fresh seafood and oysters and the "Couple's Stone" with a lot of history to tell behind it. Very scenic ride and perfect spot for pictures! Shops around too. #japan #fukuoka #deliciousfood #travelholic #culture #history #coastalcity #couplesstone #roadtrip

Fukuoka Off-the-Beaten-Path | A Non-Driving Day Trip Guide to Deep Mountains and Islands

Fukuoka is not just about shopping! If you're also interested in lesser-known spots and natural landscapes, why not take a look at the following Fukuoka day trip itinerary away from the crowds? 🗓Itinerary: 1⃣️ Nanzoin 1. Visit the world's largest bronze Buddha statue p1 2. Wander through the Japanese deep mountains and discover the various shrines hidden within p2-4 📝Note tips: It is recommended to go in the morning, and a careful visit takes 1-2 hours. Dress code requires clothing that covers the knees, but it's okay if you don't meet the standard, as staff will provide free fabric and safety pins🧷 to wrap around your waist. 2⃣️ Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture 1. Stroll along the beach in Itoshima p1 Sakurai Futamiura Couple Rocks is one of the few torii gates built over the sea in Japan, with many free photo spots along the way📷 easy to take great pictures 2. Visit a scenic cafe and zone out to the sound of the waves p5 There are several cafes near the Couple Rocks to choose from, each with stunning views! 3. Enjoy a meal with the sunset and sea view p6-7 Restaurant address: 1119-1 Imaizumi Aoki, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture, inside California BBQ Beach 📝Note tips: It is suggested to head to Itoshima from Nanzoin around noon, arriving around 14:00 gives you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and take photos🏝️ 🚉Transportation Tips: 1⃣️ To Nanzoin Take the JC Fukuhoku Yutaka Line to 'Kido Nanzoin-mae Station' and then walk, just a 20-minute train ride from Hakata Station 2⃣️ Nanzoin to Itoshima (Sakurai Futamiura Couple Rocks) Take the JC Fukuhoku Yutaka Line back to Hakata Station, then transfer to the Airport Line for about 30 minutes to 'Kyudai Gakkentoshi Station', and then take a bus (Nishinoura Line) for about 30 minutes to 'Futamiura Couple Rocks-mae' 📝Note tips: The bus (Nishinoura Line) runs once an hour, so it's recommended to check the Google Maps timetable when going and not to miss the last bus on the way back! The bus journey along the coast offers superb views that really make you feel at ease🤩