Ushiku Amida Daibutsu

Ushiku Daibutsu (also called the Ushiku Great Buddha) is a 120-meter-tall statue built by the Jodo Shinshu Higashi Honganji-ha (Shin Buddhist) head temple, Higashi Honganji. Its height is said to be based on the “”twelve rays of light”” of Amida Buddha, and it is certified by Guinness World Records as the world’s largest bronze standing statue. It is so large that the Great Buddha of Nara would fit in its palm, and even the Statue of Liberty is only about as tall as the Buddha’s knees. Beyond its imposing exterior, the interior (the “”womb””) also has many highlights: the 1st floor represents a transition from the darkness of earthly desires to a “”world of light,”” the 2nd floor is a “”world of gratitude”” where you can experience sutra copying, and the 3rd floor’s “”Rengezo World”” features about 3,400 interior Buddha statues, which is especially striking. The 4th floor is the “”Room of Mt. Grdhrakuta”” where Buddha relics are enshrined. You can also take an elevator to an observation deck at 85 meters above ground (chest height); on a clear day you may be able to see Tokyo Skytree and Mt. Fuji. Access is about 15 minutes by taxi from JR Joban Line “”Ushiku Station”” (East Exit) or “”Arakawaoki Station”” (East Exit).