Great Buddha of Gifu (Shōbō Temple)

Gifu Shōbō-ji Great Buddha Hall enshrines the Gifu Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Gifu), a Shaka Nyorai statue counted among Japan’s three great Buddhas. Passing through the entrance of the three-story wooden main hall, you are welcomed by the golden Great Buddha, completed after 38 years of work. The statue is constructed using a giant ginkgo tree of about 1.8 m circumference as a central pillar; a wooden frame was built, then shaped with woven bamboo and clay, covered with paper inscribed with sutras, and finished with lacquer and gold leaf—hollow inside. A Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined within. As Japan’s largest kanshitsu (dry lacquer) Buddha, it has a slightly forward-leaning posture that creates an imposing, presence. Around the Buddha stand rows of 500 rakan. Among them, Binzuru-sama is said to heal ailments if you rub the same part of the statue as the part of your own body that is unwell. Having endured earthquakes, famines, world wars, and more, the Great Buddha remains a profound spiritual anchor for people even today. Spending time with the Buddha in the hushed Great Buddha Hall brings a sense of calm and healing.