Naritasan Kurume Branch Temple, located in Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a branch temple of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in Chiba Prefecture. The giant 62m-high Guzeibo Daikannon statue (Kannon Bodhisattva, Savior of the World), is familiar to many people as a landmark of Kurume.
Highlights
- Guzeibo Daikannon Statue: One of the largest reinforced concrete Kannon statues in Japan, boasting a height of 62m. A diamond is embedded between her eyebrows, and crystals and jade are scattered on her chest. The sight of her holding a 13m-tall infant is overwhelming. Inside her body, there is a spiral staircase, and from the observation window located at the height of Kannon’s shoulders, you can see the Chikugo Plain, the Ariake Sea, and even Mount Unzen in the distance.
- Tour of the Kannon’s Womb: You can climb the Kannon’s womb via a spiral staircase. Inside the womb, there are exhibits that express the Buddhist world view, and materials that introduce the history of Kannon are displayed.
- Jigoku Gokuraku-kan (Hell and Paradise Hall): In the “Jigoku Gokuraku-kan,” located underground in the Kannon statue, you can see dioramas that reproduce the scenes of hell and paradise, as well as a statue of Emma Daio (Yama).
- 88-Step Total Marble Staircase: The 88-step total marble staircase within the precincts is becoming a popular new landmark. You can look up at the Kannon statue as you ascend the stairs.
Basic Information
| Item | Content |
| Name | Naritasan Kurume Branch Temple |
| Address | 1386-22 Kaminomachi, Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture 830-0052 |
| Phone Number | 0942-21-7500 |
| FAX Number | 0942-21-5388 |
| Viewing Hours | Weekdays: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Weekends and Holidays: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
| Admission Fee | Adults: 500 yen (450 yen for groups) Junior high and high school students: 300 yen (200 yen for groups) Elementary school students: 100 yen |
| Parking | Large Parking Lot: 650 spaces (open during New Year’s and Setsubun festivals) Back Parking Lot: 50 spaces Parking in front of the Prayer Hall: 30 spaces |
| Access | About a 5-minute walk from Nishitetsu Bus “Kaminomachi” stop About 10 minutes by car from the Kyushu Expressway “Hirokawa IC” |
Barrier-Free Information
Barrier-free facilities are complete, such as a wheelchair-accessible restroom, a baby bed, a slope, guide dog access, and discounts for people with disabilities.
Nearby Information
- Ishibashi Cultural Center: A park rich in nature with an art museum and a library.
- Kurume City Bird Center: A facility that keeps about 100 species of birds.
- Kurume Ramen: Kurume is known as the birthplace of tonkotsu (pork bone) ramen.
Conclusion
Naritasan Kurume Branch Temple is a temple full of highlights, such as the giant Kannon statue and the Jigoku Gokuraku-kan (Hell and Paradise Hall). Please visit and feel its scale and power.