8 Recommended Spots for Sightseeing in Sasaguri Town! A Healing and Spiritual Journey Through the Great Outdoors

Sasaguri Town, located in the eastern part of Fukuoka City in Kasuya District, is a nature-rich town certified as a forest therapy base. About a 30-minute drive from the city, you'll find an environment surrounded by trees. The town is home to the Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage, a well-known pilgrimage route. In this article, we will introduce some recommended sightseeing spots in Sasaguri.

1. Nanzoin Temple

When it comes to sightseeing spots in Sasaguri, Nanzoin Temple, the head temple of the Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage in Sasaguri Town, is a must-visit! The highlight here is undoubtedly the "Shakyamuni Nirvana Statue." Completed in 1995, this statue is the largest bronze Nirvana statue in the world, measuring an impressive 41 meters in length.

Nanzoin is also known for its priest winning a jumbo lottery, with the ticket having been kept together with a talisman of Daikokuten. The five-colored cloth hanging from the left hand of the Nirvana statue represents the "Five Colors of Light" that appeared when Shakyamuni attained enlightenment. When visiting, it’s recommended to hold the cloth before offering a prayer.

2. Sosho Daiji Temple

Sosho Daiji Temple, the 85th station of the Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage, is famous for its unique style of prayer, where people declare their wishes by saying, "I have accomplished it." It’s believed that through personal effort, the gods will lend their power to fulfill one’s prayers.

A particularly eye-catching feature of Sosho Daiji is the "Aizen-do," a hall dedicated to Aizen Myo-o, the god of love and relationships. Inside the hall, you can find various goods related to love, such as charms, omikuji (fortune slips), ema (wooden prayer plaques), and talismans. A visit here might just bring your romantic dreams to life.

Additionally, the temple offers training experiences such as zazen meditation, sutra copying, and even waterfall meditation. A two-day retreat could leave you feeling completely renewed.

3. Kiri Hata-ji Temple

Kiri Hata-ji, located in Sasaguri Town, is the 10th station of the Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage. The temple’s main hall is constructed from sacred wood from Mount Koya.

Also related to Mount Koya is the "Lamp of the Poor Woman," a light that has been continuously lit at the temple’s Okunoin (Inner Shrine). It's a wonderful experience to feel the connection to the sacred Mount Koya while in Sasaguri.

Kiri Hata-ji is also home to Sasaguri’s only "Ajikan Meditation Hall," where you can experience Ajikan, a form of meditation. This might be the perfect opportunity to empty your mind and reflect deeply on yourself.

4. Narufuchi Dam

Narufuchi Dam, located in Sasaguri Town, is a multipurpose dam with a height of about 68m and a length of 308m. The facility's roof, including the release valve room, has a whimsical, green, pointed hat-like design, giving it a fairy-tale feel! Though only available on weekdays, tours of the dam facilities are offered, and you might even become a dam expert!

Even with small groups, tours are available, so if you're visiting Sasaguri on a weekday, be sure to stop by. For those wanting a full view of the Narufuchi Dam, we recommend the observation plaza within the Tree Garden Forest. The area around the dam has also been developed into a clear stream park with views of the lake.

5. Komenoyama Observatory

If you're looking for a place to enjoy night views in Sasaguri, the Komenoyama Observatory is the spot. From the observatory on Komenoyama, which stands 594 meters tall, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Fukuoka City and Hakata Bay. The beauty of the night view here is considered one of the best in the country, and the best part is that you can enjoy it from the comfort of your car.

This means you can enjoy the stunning night view without worrying about the weather, all while listening to some lovely background music. Access to the observatory is a bit tricky, so first-time visitors should be cautious. From the mountain road, head towards "Wakasugi-no-Yu" and "Okunoin," and you'll eventually reach the observatory.

6. Yamato Forest Walking Trail

The "Yamato Forest Walking Trail," located on the lower slopes of Wakasugi Mountain, is a trekking course where you can explore five giant cedar trees. The main highlight is the "Yamato Giant Cedar," with a height of 40m and a trunk circumference of 16.15m, making it an impressive symbol of the forest.

Also, make sure to check out the "Tōda's Two-Branch Cedar," which was selected as one of the "Hundred Giants of the Forest" by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. The walking trail is approximately 2km long and takes about 90 minutes to complete. Enjoy a full forest bathing experience while marveling at the greatness of nature.

7. Nomiyama Kannonji Temple

Nomiyama Kannonji Temple, the 16th station of the Sasaguri Shikoku Pilgrimage, is affectionately known as "Nomiyama-san" by the locals. This temple is a special branch temple of the Koyasan Shingon Sect and is a popular tourist spot, attracting over 1 million visitors annually.

The temple grounds feature many halls, and more than 3,000 statues of Mizuko Jizo (Jizo statues for deceased children) are enshrined. A highlight is the huge Mizuko Jizo statue and the Six Jizo statues standing in front of the Jizo Pond. The temple is also famous for its autumn foliage, so visiting during peak season is recommended.

The main deity of the temple, the Senju-Sengen Kannon Bosatsu (Thousand-Handed Kannon), is a secret Buddha, and its image can only be viewed during the annual autumn grand festival in October when it is revealed.

8. Jugei no Mori

"Jugei no Mori," located in Kanede, Sasaguri Town, is a park developed along both sides of Prefectural Route 92. Surrounded by rich nature, it is a great spot for leisure activities such as birdwatching, light hiking, and other outdoor activities.

Within the park, you can find an observation plaza that offers a view of the entire Narufuchi Dam, which was previously mentioned. The plaza also features barbecue facilities, and during spring, you can enjoy a barbecue while admiring the many cherry trees planted around the area. The park’s beautiful landscape, known as "Sasaguri Yaba-kei," is another unique charm of Jugei no Mori.

◎ Summary

Why not take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature, breathing in negative ions and enjoying beautiful views in Sasaguri Town on your next holiday? By the time you leave, you'll feel completely refreshed, with both your body and mind healed. This is the type of experience that Sasaguri Town offers.

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8 Recommended Spots for Sightseeing in Sasaguri Town! A Healing and Spiritual Journey Through the Great Outdoors