Ushiku Daibutsu: Discover the towering Buddha statue in Ibaraki, Japan
Located in Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ushiku Daibutsu is one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Completed in 1993, this bronze statue stands an impressive 120 meters tall, including the base and lotus platform. The Ushiku Daibutsu depicts Amitabha Buddha and was built to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of the Jodo Shinshu sect of Japanese Buddhism, which has its headquarters at the Honganji temples in Kyoto.
The impressive scale and construction of Ushiku Daibutsu
The Ushiku Daibutsu is a truly massive statue, with specific measurements that demonstrate its impressive scale. The statue itself is 100 meters tall, while the base adds another 10 meters and the lotus platform contributes an additional 10 meters to the total height. The face alone measures 20 meters long, with 2.55-meter-long eyes, a 4.5-meter-long mouth, and a 1.2-meter-high nose. The statue's left hand stretches an incredible 18 meters, and the first finger is 7 meters long. In total, the Ushiku Daibutsu weighs approximately 4,003 tonnes.
The construction of the Ushiku Daibutsu was a complex process that utilized a curtain wall system. First, a central cast iron steel column was erected to support the statue's immense weight. Then, a pre-assembled steel frame structure was arranged around the column, with the statue's 100-meter-tall torso divided into 20 tiers. Each tier consisted of an average of 17 blocks, with nine 1.5 by 1.5 meter bronze sheets welded onto each block's steel frame. These bronze sheets, measuring around 6 millimeters thick, are much lighter compared to those used on the Great Buddha at Tōdai-ji temple in Nara.
Ushiku Daibutsu, Ibaraki, stands 120 meters tall
Exploring the interior of the Ushiku Daibutsu
While the exterior of the Ushiku Daibutsu is undeniably impressive, visitors can also explore the statue's interior, which houses a four-story building that serves as a museum. The first floor, known as the "Infinite Light and Infinite Life" level, features a dark lobby with a single shaft of light illuminating a cauldron of smoking incense. An elevator provides access to the upper floors.
The second floor, called the "World of Gratitude and Thankfulness," is primarily dedicated to scriptural studies. The third floor, named the "World of the Lotus Sanctuary," is located at a height of 20–30 meters and showcases an impressive collection of 3,000 gold Buddha statues. The fourth floor, situated at 80–85 meters and called the "Room of Mt. Grdhrakuta," offers stunning views from the observation windows in the Buddha's chest, overlooking the adjacent flower garden and small animal park.
The World of the Lotus Sanctuary with over 3,000 gold Buddha statues, Ushiku Daibutsu
The surrounding park and seasonal attractions
The Ushiku Daibutsu is set within a spacious park that features numerous cherry trees, flowers, and a tranquil pond. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the park as they approach the statue, passing through the Hakkenmon Gate. This two-story gate houses three Buddha images on the upper level, while the ground floor features Japan's largest bronze incense burner and a small Pure Land garden representing Buddhist paradise.
The park offers a variety of seasonal attractions, with cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in June, and cosmos in late October. The summer months bring a special Obon festival light show and a spectacular fireworks displaythat illuminates the grand statue.
Visiting Ushiku Daibutsu: Access and practical information
To reach the Ushiku Daibutsu from Tokyo, visitors can take a train along the Joban Line from Nippori or Uenostations to Ushiku Station. From Ushiku Station's east exit, buses depart for the Ushiku Daibutsu, with the journey taking approximately 30-35 minutes. See here for information on the buses (in Japanese).
The Ushiku Daibutsu is open from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (March to September) and 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (October to February). Admission fees are 800 yen for adults and 400 yen for children from April to November, and 700 yen for adults and 350 yen for children from December to March. To make the most of your visit, allocate enough time to explore the statue's interior, enjoy the surrounding park, and partake in seasonal events.
The World of Infinite Light & Life, Ushiku Daibutsu
