Ushiku Daibutsu
The world's largest bronze standing statue at 120 metres (statue 100m + 20m base) — a bronze Amitabha Buddha you can enter and ascend to chest level (at 85m) for panoramic Kanto Plain views. The approach through a flower-lined garden contrasts strikingly with the sheer scale of the figure, which is visible from 20km away.
1.5–2 hours
¥800 (adults, including interior)
9:30–17:00 weekdays, 9:30–17:30 weekends/holidays (Mar–Sep); 9:30–16:30 (Oct–Feb); last entry 45 min before closing (set ticket); extended during illumination events
Year-round (cherry blossom season April is most beautiful)
Shuttle bus from Ushiku Station (JR Joban Line, 15 min)
Location
Why Visit
- 1
World's 3rd tallest statue at 120m — you can enter and ride an elevator to the chest level at 85m
- 2
The approach garden has 100,000 flowers arranged around a reflecting pond with the statue behind
- 3
Visible from 20km in all directions — a surreal landmark rising from Ibaraki's rice paddies
Local Tips
At 120m total height (statue itself 100m), Ushiku Daibutsu is the world's tallest Buddhist statue and one of the world's tallest statues of any kind. The interior elevator ascends to an observation deck at 85m with views across the Kanto plain. The surrounding pond and garden are pleasant. Combine with Tsukuba Science City (30 min by car) for a full Ibaraki day.
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