Nihon-ji Daibutsu

The Nihon-ji Daibutsu, carved into the cliffs of Mount Nokogiri in Chiba Prefecture, stands as Japan's largest pre-modern stone Buddha at 31 meters tall. This colossal seated figure was originally completed in 1783 during the Edo period by the master stonemason Jingoro Eirei Ono and his team of 27 craftsmen, who spent three years carving it directly from the mountainside. The statue fell into disrepair during the Meiji era but underwent major restoration in 1969, giving it the appearance visitors see today.

Nihon-ji Temple itself dates back to 725 CE, founded by the monk Gyoki during the Nara period, making it one of the oldest temples in the Kanto region. The temple complex was once a thriving center of Buddhist learning with over 100 buildings, though much was destroyed during anti-Buddhist movements in the 19th century. The Daibutsu represents Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of healing and medicine, and remains an important pilgrimage site and cultural monument illustrating Japan's tradition of monumental religious sculpture.

Visitors approach the Great Buddha via stone steps through the forested mountainside, passing smaller stone carvings of Buddhist figures along the way. The statue's sheer scale becomes apparent up close, with the face alone measuring 6 meters in height. The surrounding Nihon-ji Temple grounds feature additional attractions including the Hyaku-shaku Kannon, a 100-foot Goddess of Mercy relief carved into the cliff face, and the Jigoku Nozoki (Hell Peek), a dramatic rocky outcrop offering panoramic views of Tokyo Bay and Mount Fuji on clear days.

Access to Mount Nokogiri is possible via the Nokogiri-yama Ropeway from Hamakanaya Station on the JR Uchibo Line, approximately 90 minutes from Tokyo Station. Alternatively, visitors can hike up from either Hamakanaya Station or Hota Station, with trails taking 45 to 60 minutes. Combined admission for the ropeway and temple grounds costs around ¥1,200 to ¥1,500 for adults, while temple-only admission is ¥600. The site requires moderate physical fitness due to numerous stone steps throughout the complex.