Fukuoka has many amazing day-trips to offer its visitors. Although many consider it a starting point for their discovery into the island of Kyushu, it’s also an incredible place to explore in its own right. From its unique food scene, and historical sites, there are many nearby towns that are just waiting to be explored.

So, if you’re wondering about taking a day-trip from Fukuoka, here are two fantastic options for you to consider: Nanzoin and Dazaifu. Both are a short distance from Fukuoka, and can easily be explored within a day, and on foot. And both offer something unique to explore.

What makes each of these day-trips special? Let’s find out.

Why Nazoin is a must-do day-trip from Fukuoka?

Nanzoin and its famous Nanzoin Temple are an idyllic day-trip destination from Fukuoka.

Famous primarily for its awe-inspiring giant Reclining Buddha statue (the largest bronze statue of its kind in the world), Nanzoin offers visitors a chance to connect with Japanese spirituality, and admire stunning natural surroundings just a short journey from Fukuoka’s city centre.

Nanzoin itself is a small town, which is just a delight to walk around on foot. And the temple grounds offer you a chance to reconnect with nature and spirituality. Both are easy to discover on foot, and you probably need to budget half a day for it.

Getting to Nanzoin from Fukuoka

The Nanzoin Temple is a 20-minute rapid train ride from Fukuoka’s Hakata Station. You can take the JR Sasaguri Line, to JR Fukuhoku Yutaka Line (Sasaguri Line) Kido Nanzoinmae Station. From the station, the temple is 3-minute walk and the Reclining Buddha Statue is a 10-minute walk.

The bridge over the river as you exit the station, features a full-length xylophone. It’s called The Melody Bridge (メロディー・ブリッジ) after all! Don’t forget to entertain yourself as you make your way to the temple.

For those who prefer driving, the route from Fukuoka city centre is straightforward. Renting a car gives you some flexibility to explore the greater Sasaguri area and nearby attractions after your visit.

Nanzoin has three free car parks, the locations can be found on the temple’s map.

Hon-do (Main Hall)

Once you reach Nanzoin Temple, your attention will immediately be drawn to the colossal Reclining Buddha statue, or Nanzoin Nehanzo.

But first, take the time to explore the Hon-do (Main Hall) side.

The Hon-do is the site of events including the Monthly Festival and Kojin Festival as well as supplication rites and memorial services.

The Reclining Buddha: An Imposing Sight

To reach the Reclining Buddha statue, requires a bit of climb. But the climb allows you to explore the temples grounds and surrounding views, which are stunning during autumn.

To exit the Hon-do side, you must first pay an entrance fee and take the beautiful “Tunnel of the Seven Gods of Fortune” to the other side. As you proceed, you’ll notice numerous torii gates, and statues of Arhat along the way. Don’t worry, you can explore them once you’ve seen the Reclining Buddha statue.

Follow the signs that finally bring you to the main attraction. Measuring approximately 41 meters in length and 11 meters high, and weighing about 300 tons, this bronze sculpture represents the Buddha at the moment of entering Nirvana, symbolizing the peaceful release from the cycle of birth and rebirth.

Walking along the statue’s length, visitors often pause to touch specific parts believed to bring good luck, health, and protection.

Exploring the Nanzoin Temple Grounds

Once you’re done visiting the Reclining Buddha, feel free to follow one of the other signs or take any path to discover the temple grounds. The temple grounds spread across a wooded hillside that provide a serene, and spiritual setting, ideal for a slow, meditative stroll.

The temple’s lush forest setting changes with the seasons, featuring cherry blossoms in spring and a vibrant palette of autumn leaves later in the year. As you can probably tell from our photos that we visited in the autumn.

After visiting the Reclining Buddha, we spent our afternoon walking around the hillside, through torii gates, discovering small streams, and simply admiring the surrounding beauty.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Nanzoin is open year-round, from early morning until late afternoon (usually around 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM). It’s best to visit on a weekday if possible, as weekends can be busier.
• Be prepared to walk on natural paths and some small inclines within the forested temple grounds. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Do not carry any heavy items with you.
• While there are small gift shops and food stalls near the entrance, it’s a good idea to bring water and snacks, especially if you plan to linger or hike some trails around Sasaguri.
• Please dress appropriately. According to the temple rules, please wear “clothing that covers your upper body up to your shoulders and stomach, and your lower body up to your knees.”
• Most importantly, the Nanzoin Temple is place of prayer and is very much in use on most days. Please show respect whilst touring the temple grounds.

More information can be found their website.

Why Dazaifu is a must-do day-trip from Fukuoka?

Located just 15 kilometres southeast of central Fukuoka, Dazaifu is a charming town known for its beautiful Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine complex dedicated to Tenjin, the deified form of Sugawara no Michizane, a revered scholar and poet.

This easy day trip from Fukuoka offers a chance to visit a beautiful shrine, stroll through peaceful gardens, admire traditional Japanese architecture, and savour local dishes.

Also, I recommend budgeting a full day to really explore and enjoy Dazaifu.

Getting to Dazaifu from Fukuoka

There are numerous ways to arrive at Dazaifu from Fukuoka, and there’s a full list on the Dazaifu website.

We took the train from Tenjin, and it took us 30 minutes to reach. The train station at Dazaifu literally exits onto the main path to Dazaifu Tenmangu. Make sure to ride the Nishitetsu-Tenjin-Omuta Line bound for Omuta or Nishitetsu-Ogori and change at Nishitetsu-Futsukaichi Station to the Nishitetsu-Dazaifu Line for Dazaifu Station.

Alternatively, the bus is also a good option. And a car or taxi takes approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic.

Navigating Dazaifu

When you arrive at the main approach to the shrine take some time to wander the shops, cafés, and restaurants. You might find some interesting local handicrafts to take back as a souvenir.

Also, there’s a fantastic soba and tempura restaurant called Dazaifu Namiman (縁結び食堂 なみ満), tucked away in a small alley. We highly recommend it if hunger strikes. It was honestly some of the best soba and tempura ever! But also be prepared to wait in a long line.

Discovering Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine

Back on the main path, you’ll pass under two large gates before reaching the main torii serving as the entrance to the shrine grounds.

A fourth 700-year-old gate stands on the path before the arched taiko-bashi bridges, and a final torii gate marks the entrance into the inner sanctuary where the honden is located. The honden is the main sanctuary and centre of shrine activity. Here, visitors may observe morning prayers.

Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine is dedicated to Sugawara Michizane, a Heian Period scholar and politician known for his intelligence and poetry. After his death, he was deified as Tenjin, the patron god of learning and scholarship.

For students and scholars visiting Japan, this shrine is particularly significant. It’s a place where many come to pray for academic success and wisdom.

The shrine itself is an impressive sight. Constructed in traditional wood, with vermilion-painted gates and buildings complemented by lush greenery, the complex invites visitors to experience the elegance of classic Japanese shrine architecture.

Walk up to Tenkai Inari

Located adjacent to the shrine are the Nakashima Shrine and Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum. Nakashima Shrine is a serene, less-visited spot with miniature shrines, trees, and a pond. And the Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum displays 50,000 historic items, including Sugawara Michizane’s artifacts.

But the highlight for us for visiting the Tenkai Inari, a small shrine in a quiet section of the grounds of Dazaifu Tenmangu. It is located on a hillside and is dedicated to a deity linked to commercial success and good fortune.

The path to the shrine starts from behind the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine and is a short, winding trail that includes steep stone steps through a forested area. Along the way, colourful banners line the path, and bright red torii gates are positioned closely together.

If you explore beyond the main shrine building, you’ll find the inner sanctuary shrine nestled within a small cave-like enclosure.

Take a detour to the Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum

Instead of the returning on the same torii gate trail from Tenkai Inari, follow the signs for the Dazaifu Tenmangu Museum. The detour follows a beautiful trail through the forested area on the other side of the hill. You’ll thank us for taking this trail especially during cherry blossom or autumn seasons.

As the trail descends on the other side, there is a small theme park is quite inviting! But unless you have kids, follows the steps up to the Rainbow Tunnel, that leads you to the Kyushu National Museum. And yes, the tunnel is quite fascinating!

The museum is a large blue structure that looks more like a sports stadium than a traditional exhibition space. Inside, it contains an impressive collection of Kyushu artifacts displayed in a creative and informative manner. You can learn more about the museum and its current exhibitions on its website.

Practical Tips for Visiting Dazaifu Tenmangu

• Best time to visit: Spring (March-April) for plum blossoms and autumn (October-November) for colourful foliage. However, the shrine remains lovely year-round.
• Getting around: The shrine grounds are accessible by foot. There is no need for extensive walking gear, but comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Opening hours: The shrine is generally open from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with slight variations by season.
• Admission: Entrance to the main shrine and grounds is free. The Kyushu National Museum has an admission fee if you choose to visit.
• Language: Signage and guides are often available in English, and locals are friendly and welcoming.

All other information can be found their very informative website.

Nanzoin and Dazaifu Tenmangu: Two Unmissable Day Trips Near Fukuoka

Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual grandeur of the giant Reclining Buddha at Nanzoin or the historic elegance and scholarly blessings of Dazaifu Tenmangu, both destinations offer unique experiences just a short journey from Fukuoka.

Not only are these two destinations easy to cover within a day, but also essential stops for anyone eager to explore the depth and diversity of the Kyushu region beyond Fukuoka.

If you enjoyed this guide, drop us a comment below or share it with anyone travelling to Fukuoka soon. And if you’re looking to explore Fukuoka’s food scene, read about our experience.