Japan Adventure Day 10: The Giant Buddha of Nanzoin Temple — Big Feet, Big Luck!

Siva McAteer • October 13, 2025

Welcome back, travel friends! ✨

Today’s adventure takes us deep into the heart of Fukuoka, Japan, where ancient legends, peaceful temples, and some seriously big feet await! If you’ve ever dreamed of standing beside one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, this stop on our Celebrity Cruise is going to blow your mind.

🛕 Discovering Nanzoin Temple in Fukuoka
Here we are, right where we left off — climbing those final temple stairs and bam! there it is — the reclining bronze Buddha of Nanzoin Temple in all its breathtaking glory.

This statue stretches an incredible 134 feet long and weighs over 300 tons! That’s roughly the weight of 200 cars. It’s officially one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, and let me tell you — photos just can’t do it justice.

🍀 The Legend of the Lucky Feet

Here’s a fun fact that makes this spot even more special: Legend says that touching the Buddha’s feet brings good fortune. So, of course, we had to give it a try! And wow — those feet are enormous! Each one measures over 11 meters long. Standing next to them made my husband look tiny! 😂


Big feet, big luck, right? (I’m manifesting it now!)

🏯 Exploring Every Corner of Nanzoin

The Nanzoin Temple grounds are massive. You could easily spend a few hours wandering through its pathways, discovering hidden shrines, peaceful gardens, and scenic lookouts.


We even found a mix of traditional and modern touches — from a classic Japanese squat toilet to a futuristic high-tech toilet with all the fancy buttons. Japan really knows how to blend the old and the new!

🌞 Sunshine, Blue Skies & Hidden Treasures

As we made our way back down the mountain, Fukuoka treated us to the most stunning views — bright sunshine, blue skies, and the sound of a quiet creek below. And because Japan loves to surprise you, we stumbled upon more hidden treasures — a few tiny turtles basking near the water! 🐢


Nature here feels so alive and full of charm. Keep your eyes open because you never know what adorable little moments you’ll find.

🚉 A Perfect Ending — Eki Stamp Souvenir

Before wrapping up our temple day, we stopped by the train station to grab a new Eki stamp for my travel collection. If you’re new to these, Eki stamps are collectible ink stamps available at train stations all across Japan — and trust me, they’re addictive!


This one might just be my favorite — beautifully detailed and such a perfect reminder of the giant Buddha, the turtles, and the magic of Fukuoka. ❤️

🌏 Final Thoughts

From the giant reclining Buddha to the tiniest turtle by the creek, Nanzoin Temple perfectly captures the spirit of Japan — a peaceful blend of wonder, culture, and beauty.


If you ever visit Fukuoka, don’t skip this spot. Whether you’re on a Celebrity Cruise Japan itinerary or exploring on your own, it’s one of those rare places where you can truly feel the magic of Japan.


So, here’s to big feet, big luck, and even bigger adventures!


🎥 Want to see it all in action? Check out my YouTube video below, and don’t forget to subscribe for more amazing travel adventures from Japan!

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Crazy Horse Memorial Part 3:

By Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026
Did you know there’s a place in South Dakota where you can literally take home a piece of history? 👀 Yep—welcome back to Part 3 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure, where we dive into one of the most meaningful and fascinating areas of the entire complex: the Native American Educational and Cultural Center. Located in the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, Crazy Horse Memorial is already one of the most awe-inspiring monuments in the United States—but stepping into this center takes the experience to a whole new level.

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 2

By Siva McAteer • January 30, 2026
👀 “Would you believe me if I told you this mountain has had over ELEVEN MILLION tons of rock blasted away… and it’s still not finished? Let me show you why this $5 tour is one of the best travel deals in America.” Welcome to Part 2 of our Crazy Horse Memorial adventure — and today we’re hopping on the guided bus tour that takes you right up to the mountain itself. For just five dollars per person, this ride gets you shockingly close to the carving-in-progress — and trust me… hearing the story while standing beneath it hits completely different. Our guide, Allen, shared how this all began back in 1947, when sculptor Korczak Ziolkowski arrived in the Black Hills from Connecticut… to a place with no roads, no water, no electricity. He literally lived in a tent for seven months before clearing trees and building a log studio by hand. By the late 1950s, with ten kids to raise, the family even opened a dairy farm right on site — and today they still raise cattle here. Oh — and the very first admission to Crazy Horse in 1950? 👉 Just 50 cents per carload.

Crazy Horse Memorial Part 1

By Siva McAteer • January 27, 2026
“If you’re going to Mount Rushmore and NOT stopping here… you’re doing South Dakota wrong.” And honestly? I stand by that. 😏 Just 30 minutes from Mount Rushmore, tucked into the heart of the Black Hills of South Dakota, sits one of the most fascinating landmarks in the United States — the Crazy Horse Memorial. This isn’t just another quick roadside attraction. It’s one of the largest mountain carving projects in the world… and it’s still being built today. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore road trip, a South Dakota vacation, or a national parks adventure, put this stop high on your list.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 5

By Siva McAteer • January 26, 2026
Think the best views at Mount Rushmore are only at the beginning? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 5 — the grand finale of my Mount Rushmore tour series — where the Presidential Trail keeps delivering jaw-dropping scenery right up until the very end. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore vacation, a South Dakota road trip, or a Black Hills adventure, this is your reminder that this iconic destination is so much more than a quick photo stop. It’s a full-on experience.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 4:

By Siva McAteer • January 25, 2026
Another passport?! 👀✈️ Yes, please — and this one doesn’t even require airport security or a middle seat. Welcome back to Part 4 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore series, where we stop at one of the most fascinating (and underrated!) spots at Mount Rushmore National Memorial: the Sculptor’s Studio. If you’re planning a Mount Rushmore trip, a South Dakota road trip, or exploring the Black Hills, this is one stop you absolutely cannot skip.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 3:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026
This is as close as you can get to Mount Rushmore without climbing the mountain itself — and honestly? Most visitors have no idea this trail even exists. 👀 Welcome to Part 3 of my five‑part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m continuing along the legendary Presidential Trail and showing you why this scenic walk completely changes how you experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial. If Mount Rushmore is on your USA bucket list, keep reading — this is where the magic really happens.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 2:

By Siva McAteer • January 24, 2026
Most visitors snap a photo from the viewing terrace and move on… but if you really want to experience Mount Rushmore National Memorial, you have to get on the Presidential Trail. Welcome to Part 2 of my five-part Mount Rushmore travel series, where I’m sharing insider tips, fun facts, and smart planning advice so your South Dakota adventure feels unforgettable — not rushed.

Mount Rushmore Tour Part 1:

By Siva McAteer • January 22, 2026
Think Mount Rushmore is just a quick photo stop you squeeze in between road trip snacks and your next destination? 👀 Think again. Welcome to Part 1 of my 5-part Mount Rushmore tour series, where I’m breaking down everything you need to know so you can visit like a pro, skip the rookie mistakes, and actually enjoy this iconic American landmark.

Celebrity Cruise & The Bittersweet Flight Home

By Siva McAteer • October 30, 2025
There’s that one moment every traveler knows too well — when you slip into your comfiest travel slippers, grab your airplane blanket, and realize… it’s time to head home. After sixteen incredible days exploring Japan and South Korea, I still can’t believe our journey has come to an end. This trip was everything — relaxing, inspiring, and filled with memories that will stay with us forever. From mouthwatering sushi in Tokyo to breathtaking temples in Busan, every single day felt like a new adventure.

Celebrity Cruise Day 12: The Airport That Feels Like the Future

By Siva McAteer • October 29, 2025
Only in South Korea would a robot greet you the moment you step into the airport. Welcome to Incheon International Airport, where technology meets tranquility — and yes, your travel expectations will never be the same after this. The first thing that hit me wasn’t the size (though it’s massive) — it was how quiet and calm everything felt. No rushing crowds, no blaring announcements — just peaceful background music and mesmerizing floor-to-ceiling digital screens showing relaxing visuals. It honestly felt like I stepped into a luxury spa disguised as an airport. 🤖 Smart Travel at Its Finest Incheon Airport is one of the most advanced smart airports in the world, powered by big data, robotics, and biometric technology. From self-check-in kiosks and face-recognition immigration to helpful robots roaming around ready to assist, it’s clear that South Korea has travel innovation down to a science. Every detail here is designed to make travel effortless — even the seating areas have wireless charging stations built right in!
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