7 must-see giant Buddha statues in Japan

From those in temples to those standing (or even hanging out) in the open, Japan has no shortage of legendary Buddha statues. Whether you’re a devout pilgrim or just looking for the perfect photo for your Instagram page, here’s a list of seven of the most impressive giant Buddha statues – known in Japanese as Big Buddha -Can be found all over the country.

1. Kotokuin Great Buddha: Kanagawa Prefecture

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a coastal landmark and one of the most famous Buddha statues in Japan. This bronze statue of Amitabha is over 11.3 meters tall and dates back to 1252. Unlike many enclosed statues of Amitabha, this wooden hall of Amitabha has been destroyed many times by typhoons, earthquakes and tsunamis, and has experienced hundreds of years of exposure to wind and sun. Notably, you can also step inside the hollow statue to experience its monumental scale from within and take a moment to meditate while listening to the quiet sounds of the outside world.

address: 2-28, 4-chome Nagaya, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture 248-0016
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2. Takaoka Giant Buddha: Toyama Prefecture

this The Great Buddha of Takaoka, the Great Buddha of Nara and the Great Buddha of Kamakura are also known as Japan’s “Three Great Buddhas”. The 15.85-meter-tall bronze statue was completed in 1933 and is located in Takaoka City, a city known for its long tradition of metal casting. famous poet Yosano Akiko She was deeply attracted by its solemn appearance and called it “handsome Buddha”.

address: 11-29 Otemachi, Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture, Postcode 933-0039
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3. Ushiku Daibutsu: Ibaraki Prefecture

At 120 meters tall, Ushikudaibutsu is one of the tallest statues on earth. This bronze giant is a stunning depiction of Amitabha Buddha, guarding the small town of Ushiku in Ibaraki Prefecture. You can also take the elevator to the observation level for panoramic views and explore the four-story museum inside the statue.

For a little extra magic, capture the Buddha in profile at sunrise or sunset—you might witness the surreal sight of the sun appearing like a beam of light emerging from the Buddha’s hands.

address: 2083 Kuno-cho, Ushiku-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture 300-1288
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4. Hotai Buddha: Aichi Prefecture

The Budai Daibutsu was built in 1954 by moxibustion master Hidenobu Maeda. It is 18 meters tall, which is taller than the Giant Buddhas in Nara and Kamakura. Popular with photographers, it can get very crowded when the lights come on during the cherry blossom season and the New Year holiday. Go to the railway crossing at Hotai Station and find an angle where the Buddha’s head is perfectly aligned with the traffic light, making it look like he’s wearing a pair of sunglasses.

address: Daimon-135 Kigacho, Konan, Aichi 483-8233
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5. Todaiji Giant Buddha: Nara Prefecture

Todaiji Temple The 15-meter-tall Buddha statue stands in the Great Buddha Hall, which is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. According to reports, construction of the building began in 745 and the consecration ceremony was held in 752. Although the chest and lotus pedestal are original, much of the statue was rebuilt between the 12th and 14th centuries due to damage from fires and earthquakes. In the Edo period (1603), the head was replaced.–1868).

address: 630 406-1 Zashichicho, Nara City–8587

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Photo provided by: Omi Tourism Association

6. Nagahama Lake Biwa Buddha at Reizenji Temple: Shiga Prefecture

Nagahama Lake Biwa Giant Buddha is located in Reizanji Temple, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture, and is 28 meters high. The statue was originally built in 1932 to commemorate the temple’s 700th anniversary, but was replaced in 1994 due to damage. The current bronze cast statue displays the Vajrasudra of Wisdom and overlooks Lake Biwa, accessible from Nagahama Station. The surrounding area is also famous for its beautiful plum trees in spring.

address: No. 86, Shimosakahamacho, Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture 526-0047
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7. Nanzoin Great Reclining Buddha: Fukuoka Prefecture

Originally located in Mount Koya, Nanzo-in was threatened with destruction at the end of the 19th century and moved to Sasoguri in 1899. Nanzo-in is now the center of the Sauri Pilgrimage Route and houses a reclining Buddha the same size as the Statue of Liberty. it’s known accidental or Shaka Nehanmeaning to be in a state of death and enter a state of nirvana. You can even “shake hands” with the Reclining Buddha via the five colorful ropes attached to the statue to receive its blessings and power.

address: 1035 Shinoguri-machi, Harutani-gun, Fukuoka Prefecture 811-2405 Shinoguri

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