Standing tall in the southern part of Kurume City, the “Daihonzan Naritasan Kurume Branch Temple” is a beacon of spiritual protection for Kyushu. Famous for its colossal Kannon statue and unique architecture, it remains a premier destination for Hatsumode (New Year’s prayer) and warding off evil spirits.
As we approach the end of 2025, this temple offers a powerful spiritual reset. Whether you are climbing the 62-meter Kannon for a panoramic view of the Chikugo Plain or stepping into the mysterious “Hell and Paradise Hall,” Naritasan provides an experience that blends solemn faith with awe-inspiring scale.
⛩️ Unveiling the Essence: Giants of the Faith
The temple grounds are a visual marvel, dominated by symbols of immense scale and exotic design.
1. The Guze Jibo Dai-Kannon (62m)
The undisputed symbol of Kurume, this 62-meter reinforced concrete Kannon statue is one of the largest in Japan.
- The View: Visitors can climb the spiral staircase inside the statue. The observation windows at the top offer a stunning view of Kurume City, the Chikugo River, and on clear days, as far as the Ariake Sea.
- 2025 Status: The statue is open for viewing. The entrance fee is typically 500 yen for adults.
- Illumination: During the New Year season, the statue is often illuminated, creating a mystical silhouette against the night sky.
2. The Peace Great Buddha Pagoda (Indian Village)
Standing 38 meters tall, this pagoda is a replica of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India. It enshrines the ashes of the Buddha and serves as a prayer site for world peace. The surrounding area, often called the “Indian Village,” features exotic architecture that transports visitors thousands of miles away, offering a unique atmosphere rarely found in Japanese temples.
3. The Hell and Paradise Hall
For a different kind of spiritual journey, the Hell and Paradise Hall (Jigoku Gokuraku Kan) offers a vivid, educational, and slightly terrifying tour of the afterlife.
- The Experience: Walk through dioramas depicting the trials of Hell before ascending to the serene realm of Paradise. It is a popular, if intense, attraction for families.
- Admission: The entry fee is 300 yen.
📅 Your Insider Odyssey: 2025-2026 Event Calendar
The temple is busiest during the transition from winter to spring.
New Year’s Hatsumode (Jan 1 – 3, 2026)
As a major center for “Warding off Evil” (Yakuyoke) and “Traffic Safety,” the temple draws massive crowds during the first three days of January.
- First Sunrise: The temple grounds (and nearby Urayama Park) are a prime spot to witness the First Sunrise of the Year around 7:20 AM.
- Omikuji: Try your luck with the special New Year fortune slips available only during this season.
Setsubun Festival (Early February 2026)
One of the largest in Kyushu, the Setsubun Festival features a grand bean-throwing ceremony (Mamemaki) to drive away demons.
- The Scale: Approximately 20,000 bags of lucky beans are scattered. In 2025, this event was held on February 2nd; for 2026, check the specific date (typically Feb 3rd).
- Prizes: The bean bags often contain lottery tickets for prizes, adding excitement to the ritual.
💎 The Elite Navigator’s Codex: Strategic Insights
- Underground Cave: Don’t miss the underground corridor beneath the Kannon statue. It houses replicas of the 88 Temples of the Shikoku Pilgrimage, allowing you to complete a symbolic pilgrimage in minutes.
- Traffic Safety: This temple is particularly famous for car blessings. If you have bought a new car in 2025, driving it here for a Kotsu Anzen purification is a local tradition.
- Combined Trip: The temple is a short bus ride from the city center. Combine your visit with a trip to the Ishibashi Cultural Center, which hosts winter illuminations (until Jan 18, 2026) and spring rose festivals.
📊 Kyushu Codex: Instant Insights (2025 Data)
| Aspect | Details | Expert Reference Tip |
| Temple Name | Naritasan Kurume Branch Temple | Kurume Naritasan |
| Address | 1386-22 Kamitsu-machi, Kurume City | |
| Open Hours | 9:00 – 17:00 | Gates open 24h for grounds |
| Admission | Free (Grounds) | ¥500 (Kannon) / ¥300 (Hell Hall) |
| Parking | 650 Spaces (Free) | Crowded on Jan 1-3 |
| Access | Bus to “Kamitsu-machi” | 10 min walk from stop |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I enter the Kannon statue year-round?
A: Yes, the Kannon statue is generally open for viewing daily from 9:00 to 17:00. Inside, you can climb the stairs to the observation deck at the shoulder level of the deity.
Q: How do I get there by public transport?
A: From Nishitetsu Kurume Station, take a Nishitetsu Bus (lines 30 or 31) and get off at “Kamitsu-machi”. The temple is about a 10-minute uphill walk from the bus stop.
Q: Is the “Hell Hall” scary for children?
A: It can be. The depictions of hell are somewhat graphic and dark, designed to teach moral lessons. Parents should use discretion, though many children find it a memorable adventure.
Q: When is the best time for New Year’s prayers?
A: The “Hatsumode” period runs from midnight on December 31st through January 3rd. For the least congestion, try visiting in the afternoon of January 2nd or 3rd, or wait until the “Little New Year” (mid-January).
🌟 Synthesis
Daihonzan Naritasan Kurume is a place where the spiritual and the spectacular coexist. Whether you are looking up at the benevolent face of the Kannon or looking out over the city of Kurume, it offers a towering perspective on the year to come.