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Are you familiar with the Ushiku Daibutsu? It’s a tourist spot within day-trip distance from Narita International Airport and is also popular as a ‘power spot’ — a place believed to emanate spiritual energy.
Its presence is clearly visible from the highway leading to the Tokyo metropolitan area. The Ushiku Daibutsu (Big buddha) holds the title as the largest Buddha statue in Japan, and in fact, is the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue. Its size is impressive, and actually standing before it is an awe-inspiring experience. My children was so surprised and excited when they saw the Ushiku Daibutsu for the first time.
However, the wonder of the Ushiku Daibutsu extends beyond just its size. In this blog post, I’ll explore the Ushiku Daibutsu in more detail. After reading this blog post, your visit to Ushiku Daibutsu will be even more enjoyable.
Ushiku Daibutsu: The World’s Tallest Bronze Buddha Statue
The most distinctive feature of the Ushiku Daibutsu is its size. Standing at 120 meters tall (394 feet) , it is more than twice the height of the Statue of Liberty in the United States. Its index finger alone measures an astonishing 7 meters.
The enormity of the statue received official recognition from the Guinness World Records in 1995.
Turns out, the Great Buddha itself is 110m and this is the height listed in the Guinness World Records. Including the pedestal, it’s 120m
The Story Behind the Construction of the Ushiku Daibutsu.
The construction of Ushiku Daibutsu started in 1986 and was completed in 1993. Interestingly, it is not an ancient historical structure. The Daibutsu was built here in honor of Shinran Shonin (親鸞聖人), the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect, who used Ibaraki Prefecture as his base for missionary work in the Kanto region.
Recommended Ways to Enjoy Ushiku Daibutsu.
When you visit Ushiku Daibutsu, don’t miss the chance to explore its interior. When purchasing tickets at the park entrance, you’ll have the option to either enter the Great Buddha or simply enjoy the garden. The price difference is only 300 yen. Considering you’ve traveled all this way, I highly recommend venturing inside.
Journeying to the Daibutsu While Enjoying the Garden
As soon as you step inside, the colossal Great Buddha statue will immediately catch your attention on your right.
Along your path, you’ll encounter a designated area to inscribe your wishes on an ’ema’, a votive picture tablet, for the Great Buddha. However, there’s also a place to hang your ema inside the Great Buddha, which you’ll get a chance to visit later. If you’re already planning on it, it might be more meaningful to make your wish there.
Before entering the temple, remember to wash your hands at the Chozuya, a traditional hand-washing station.
Ring the temple bell, make a small donation, and make your wish before continuing to the Great Buddha.
As you make your way to the temple, you’ll come across a place to burn incense. For just 100 yen, you can buy some incense to place in the incense burner.
On the bridge, take six mindful steps while chanting the mantra ‘Na-mu-a-mi-da-butsu’. As you near the Buddha, its immense size and majestic presence are sure to leave you in awe.
Inside the Ushiku Daibutsu
Before entering Ushiku Daibutsu, you’ll need to take off your shoes. There are no restrooms inside, so it’s a good idea to use the facilities before you go in.
Firstly, you’ll be ushered into a small room where a presentation is given in Japanese. Unfortunately, there’s no English version available for now. After about a minute in the dark, a door at the front of the room opens, and you can proceed. The dimly lit space is subtly perfumed with incense, and a breathtaking view of the Great Buddha Amitabha is revealed before you.
Each floor inside the Great Buddha presents a different theme, contributing to an otherworldly atmosphere. The second floor hosts an exhibition area featuring photographs of the Daibutsu’s construction process and displays about its history.
A life-size replica of the Daibutsu’s toe is also exhibited here, giving you a tangible sense of the statue’s enormity.
Visit the Observatory at Chest Height
Next, you’ll take the elevator up to the 5th floor. This top floor, level with the Great Buddha’s chest, is home to an observation deck. The deck is situated 85 meters above the ground, equivalent to about 26 stories high in a typical building.
Though the windows are small and do not offer a panoramic view like traditional observation decks, they provide a unique opportunity to observe the world from within the Great Buddha.
On a clear day, sights such as Tokyo Sky Tree and Mt. Fuji can be seen from here.
Other Attractions at Ushiku Daibutsu
Here are some additional attractions you can enjoy besides the Great Buddha.
Traditional Japanese garden : Jodo Teien.
There’s a traditional Japanese garden feature at Higashi Honganji, preserved since ancient times. You may feel a sense of calm as you appreciate the beautifully designed green scenery.
For 100 yen, you can buy food to feed the carp in the pond, enhancing your experience.
You might wonder if the water isn’t too shallow….
FUREAI Garden: Small Animals
The Fureai Garden Terrace is a big hit with young children. Here, you have the opportunity to interact with and feed small animals.
Please note that it’s only open on Sundays and closed on weekdays.
Additionally, a delightful monkey acrobatic show is performed three to four times a day.
Nakamise: Souvenirs
After exploring Ushiku Daibutsu, make sure to visit Nakamise for souvenirs to commemorate your trip.
Nakamise is a shopping street located within shrine and temple precincts. Though it’s a small market, it offers an authentic atmosphere of traditional Japan.
You’ll find unique Daibutsu merchandise that is exclusive to this location.
Estimated Time to Explore the Park
The park has a lot to offer, and a leisurely visit should take around 2 hours (not including meal time).
However, please note that access to the elevator leading to the interior of the Daibutsu is limited and waiting times may occur when it’s crowded. It’s especially busy on holidays, so plan accordingly if you have other commitments!
Family-Friendly Guide
Information and Access
Please note that the opening hours are seasonal.
Basic Information
| Name | Ushiku Daibutsu |
| Website | https://daibutu.net/ (Japanese Only) |
| Operating Hours | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (March – September) 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (October – February) |
| Admission (including garden to the Great Buddha’s interior) | Adult (13years old or more): 800 yen Child (To 4years old – 12years old ) :400yen Under 3 years old:Free |
| Admission (garden only) | Adult (13years old or more): 500 yen Child (To 4years old – 12years old ) :300yen Under 3 years old:Free |
| Payment Method | Cash Only |
| Parking | Free |
Discounts are provided for groups of 15 or more and for people with disabilities.
Access
Ushiku Daibutsu can be reached by either public transport or car.
If you are a tourist, you will most likely use trains and buses.If you are visiting as a tourist, it’s likely that you will use trains and buses.
Distance from Haneda Airport and Narita Airport
Both Haneda Airport and Narita Airport are less than 2 hours away from Ushiku Station by train.
Given its proximity to the city center, I highly recommend extending your trip to witness the Great Buddha, a unique sight only available here.