Ushiku Daibutsu

The Ushiku Daibutsu stands as one of the world's tallest statues in Ushiku, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan. Completed in 1993, this bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha reaches an impressive height of 120 meters (394 feet), including its 10-meter base and 10-meter lotus platform. When the surrounding pedestal is included, the total monument height extends to 100 meters above ground level. The statue held the record as the world's tallest statue from its completion until 2008 and remains among the tallest Buddha statues globally.

The monument was built to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū sect of Japanese Buddhism. The statue's name derives from its location in Ushiku and "Daibutsu," meaning "Great Buddha" in Japanese. The structure weighs approximately 4,000 tons and contains over 6,000 bronze plates. Its right hand forms the Abhaya mudra, a gesture symbolizing fearlessness and protection, while the left hand displays the Varada mudra, representing compassion and charity.

Visitors can enter the statue and ascend to an observation deck located 85 meters above ground level, accessed by elevator. The interior features multiple floors, including a gallery displaying 3,400 golden Buddha statues on the second level and a meditation room called the "Room of Gratitude and Nembutsu." The observation platform provides panoramic views of the surrounding Kanto Plain and, on clear days, Tokyo's skyline and Mount Tsukuba. The ground-level park features seasonal gardens with flowers including cosmos, poppies, and lotus blooms.

The Ushiku Arcadia grounds surrounding the statue include walking paths, a small animal park, and picnic areas spanning approximately 3.8 hectares. A small museum at the base provides information about the statue's construction and Buddhist history. During peak seasons, particularly spring and autumn, the gardens attract visitors for their floral displays.

Access is available from Ushiku Station on the JR Joban Line, approximately 50 kilometers northeast of Tokyo. From the station, visitors can take a bus directly to the Ushiku Daibutsu stop, with the journey taking around 20 minutes. Alternatively, taxis are available from the station. For drivers, the statue is located near the Ushiku-Ami Smart IC on the Ken-O Expressway, with free parking available on-site.