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Have you heard of Ushiku Daibutsu, Japan’s tallest Buddha statue?
Just a day trip from Tokyo, as well as from Narita and Haneda International Airports — this giant Buddha is also known as a “power spot”, a place believed to radiate spiritual energy.
But the appeal of Ushiku Daibutsu is not only its size.
There is so much more to experience — from going inside the statue to strolling through the surrounding gardens.
In this guide, I’ll share the highlights and tips to help you make the most of your visit.
Ushiku Daibutsu – Japan’s Tallest Buddha Statue
At 120 meters (394 feet) tall, Ushiku Daibutsu is also recognized as the world’s tallest bronze Buddha statue, an overwhelming sight when you stand before it.
You don’t see it gradually from afar.
Instead, as you get closer — whether by car or bus — the giant figure suddenly appears, rising above the landscape.
The first time we spotted it with family, my children gasped in surprise and couldn’t hide their excitement.
How Tall is Ushiku Daibutsu? (120m / 394ft)
The most distinctive feature of the Ushiku Daibutsu is its sheer size.
The statue reaches 120 meters (394 feet) including the pedestal and lotus base, making it one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world.
- Ushiku Daibutsu: 120m / 394ft(standing, including pedestal)
- Great Buddha itself: 110m / 361ft (statue only, Guinness World Records listing)
- Nara Daibutsu: 15m / 49ft (seated)
- Kamakura Daibutsu: 13m / 43ft (seated)
- Statue of Liberty (New York): 93m / 305ft (standing, including pedestal)
Unlike the seated Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura, Ushiku Daibutsu is a standing statue, which makes its height even more striking.
The statue’s incredible scale was officially recognized by 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.
History and Construction of Ushiku Daibutsu
Construction began in 1986 and was completed in 1993.
While the Nara Daibutsu and Kamakura Daibutsu are ancient icons of Japanese Buddhism, Ushiku Daibutsu is a modern monument.
It was built to honor Shinran Shonin (親鸞聖人), founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect (浄土真宗), who spread Buddhism in the Kanto region from his base in Ibaraki.
Visitor Information & Access
Tickets, Entrance Fee & Opening Hours
| Name | Ushiku Daibutsu |
| Website | https://daibutu.net/ (Japanese Only) |
| Address | 2083 Kunochō, Ushiku, Ibaraki 300-1288 >>Google Map |
| Operating Hours | Opening hours are seasonal. 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 |
Important Information about Payment
Entrance tickets are cash only.
Some shops inside may accept cards, but there are no ATMs, so be sure to bring enough Japanese yen in advance.
How to Get to Ushiku Daibutsu from Tokyo
By Train and Bus/Taxi
From Tokyo Station, take the JR Joban Line (via Ueno Sta.) toward Ushiku.
- By limited express train, it takes about 55 minutes.
- By local train, about 70 minutes.
From Ushiku Station, you can:
- Take a bus bound for Ushiku Daibutsu (20–30 minutes).
- Or take a taxi (around 15 minutes).
By Car
From central Tokyo, driving takes about 1 hour via the Joban Expressway. Parking is available on site.
Ushiku Daibutsu Location
Ushiku Daibutsu can also be reached from the airports:
- Narita Airport – about 90 minutes by train
- Haneda Airport – about 100 minutes by train
From Ushiku Station, it takes an additional 20–30 minutes by bus or 15 minutes by taxi to reach Ushiku Daibutsu.
Things to See and Do at Ushiku Daibutsu
When you visit Ushiku Daibutsu, don’t miss the chance to go inside the statue.
At the park entrance, you can buy tickets either for the garden only or for the garden plus entry into the Buddha.
The difference is just ¥300, so it’s well worth choosing the full experience.
Approaching the Great Buddha
After entering the park, you’ll first pass through a peaceful garden.
Then, as you approach, the colossal figure of the Great Buddha suddenly comes into view on your right — an unforgettable sight.
Ema : a wooden votive tablet.
Along the path, you’ll find a spot to write your wishes on an ema, a wooden votive tablet.
Common wishes include success in business or good health.
It’s a simple but meaningful experience I recommend trying.
There is also a place to hang your ema inside the Great Buddha.
Chozuya : Purification fountain
Before approaching the Great Buddha, stop at the Chozuya, a water basin, to wash your hands for purification.
This ritual is common at temples and shrines in Japan.
Hakken-mon:Buddha Statues Gate
This glass gate marks the entrance to the path toward Ushiku Daibutsu.
Before stepping inside, you can calm your mind and ring the bell on the right, then join your hands in prayer and bow once at the center of the gate.
When you walk through and look back, the Great Buddha and Amida statues appear in a dramatic view.
Daiko-ro : Great Incense Burner
As you walk straight ahead, you’ll see the Great Incense Burner, the largest of its kind in Japan.
On the left, incense sticks are sold for ¥100, which visitors may light and place in the burner if they wish.
Ōchō Bridge
In front of the Great Buddha stands the Ōchō Bridge (横超橋).
Visitors are invited to cross it in six mindful steps, chanting “Na-mu-a-mi-da-butsu” with each step.
NA 南
MU 無
A 阿
MI 弥
DA 陀
BUTSU仏
This simple practice creates a moment of calm before you stand face-to-face with the towering statue.
Jodo Teien – Japanese Pure Land Garden
After crossing the Ōchō Bridge, you can take a side path to the Jodo Teien.
This Pure Land–style garden, inspired by designs from the Kamakura period, offers a peaceful view of ponds, stones, and seasonal greenery.
You can also feed the koi carp for ¥100 before returning to the main approach to the Great Buddha.
Explore Inside Ushiku Daibutsu (Floors & Highlights)
Before stepping inside the Ushiku Daibutsu statue, you’ll be asked to remove your shoes.
Note that there are no restrooms inside, so it’s best to use the facilities beforehand.
The route is a bit unusual.
After the 1st and 2nd floors, you take the elevator straight up to the 5th floor observatory at chest level.
From there, you visit the 4th floor, and finally return down to the 3rd & 2nd floor before exiting.
1F – The World of Infinite Light and Life
Your visit inside Ushiku Daibutsu begins on the 1st floor, known as the World of Light(光の世界).
A short presentation is shown here in Japanese, though no English version is available.
After about a minute in the dark, the doors open.
You step into a dim space, lightly scented with incense, where a solemn view of Amida Buddha awaits.
2F – World of Gratitude and Thankfulness (10m High)
The 2nd floor is traditionally called the World of Gratitude and Thankfulness (知恩報徳の世界), but today it mainly serves as an exhibition and cultural space.
- Displays explain the history and construction of the Great Buddha, completed in 1993.
- The Guinness World Record certificate recognizing Ushiku Daibutsu as the tallest bronze Buddha is also exhibited here.
- A life-size replica of the statue’s right toe gives visitors a true sense of its enormous scale.
- You can try shakyo (sutra copying), a meditative practice of writing Buddhist scriptures by hand.
3F – World of the Lotus Sanctuary (20~30m high)
After the observatory, you’ll head down to the 3rd floor, the Lotus Sanctuary(蓮華蔵世界).
Here, about 3,400 golden Buddha statues line the walls, creating a dazzling yet solemn space.
4F – Vulture Peak World & Shop
The 4th floor is themed around Vulture Peak (霊鷲山の間),
Exhibition panels here explain the Buddhist background related to Ushiku Daibutsu.
This floor also includes a small souvenir counter inside the statue, offering Buddhist-related goods such as incense, charms, and Buddha-themed items.
5F – Observation Deck (85m / 279ft)
The 5th floor is an observation deck about 85 meters above the ground, roughly the height of a 26-story building.
It sits at chest level of the Ushiku Daibutsu statue.
The windows are small, so you won’t get a wide panoramic view.
Still, it’s a rare chance to look out at the world from inside the Great Buddha.
On a clear day, you may even spot Tokyo Skytree or Mt. Fuji in the distance.
Other Attractions Around Ushiku Daibutsu
Besides the Great Buddha itself, the park offers several attractions worth exploring.
Fureai Garden – Petting Zoo
A favorite for families with children, this small park lets visitors interact with rabbits, guinea pigs, turtles, and other small animals.
It is mainly open on weekends, and a lively monkey performance is also held several times a day.
Nakamise Street – Souvenirs and Local Snacks
Outside, near the entrance, is the Nakamise street, a row of shops and stalls with a more casual feel.
Here you can try local snacks like manju and soft-serve ice cream, or buy edible souvenirs and unique Daibutsu-themed sweets to take home.
Among the most popular items is the Ushiku Daibutsu Crystal Strap.
How Long to Spend at Ushiku Daibutsu
A relaxed visit usually takes about 2hours, not including time for meals.
This allows you to see the inside of the statue, stroll through the gardens, and stop by the souvenir area.
Do note that access to the elevator inside the Daibutsu can be limited, and waiting times may occur on weekends and holidays.
If you’re on a tight schedule, plan a little extra time just in case.
In Summary – Ushiku Daibutsu Visit
Ushiku Daibutsu is Japan’s tallest Great Buddha statue.
Inside the park, you’ll find places that reflect both sacred atmosphere and Japanese tradition, making it a site that feels both solemn and powerful.
Most visitors spend about two hours, so why not take a short trip from Tokyo to see Japan’s tallest Buddha with your own eyes?
👉 If you’re planning a day trip in Japan, add Ushiku Daibutsu to your itinerary and experience this unique landmark for yourself.
