About Ushiku Daibutsu (牛久 大仏)

Ushiku Daibutsu also known as Ushiku Arcadia is one of the tallest buddha statues in the world. It is located in Ushiku City (Ushiku Shi) in the southern part of Ibaraki Prefecture. Standing at 120 meters tall, it is said that the Great Buddha of Nara can fit in the hand of the Ushiku Daibutsu.

When it was built in 1993, it was the largest Buddhist statue in the world. It was also registered in the Guinness World Records in 1995 as the tallest bronze statue in the world. Since then, the Ushiku Daibutsu is now the third tallest statue depicting a buddha.

Even not spiritually inclined people can enjoy the gardens and extensive amount of seasonal flowers. Flowers are an important attraction and are in bloom from early April to late October.

8 Key Features of Ushiku Daibutsu

Ushiku Amida Buddha

• first floor: “World of Infinite Light” the darkness represents earthly desires while the ray of light represents compassion.

• second floor: “Nenbutsu Room” where you can practice writing & “The World of Gratitude and Thankfulness” where visitors can try copying sutra in a relaxing space.

• third floor: “Rengezo World” is also referred to as the “World of the Lotus Sanctuary” where about 3,400 Buddha statues on display. The Lotus Sanctuary wraps around the full width in an endless circle and represents the pure land of Amida. Sutra chants are performed every morning and evening.
• fourth & fifth floor: “Between Mt. Reiwashi” the Buddha’s ashes are enshrined here and there are panels depicting the life and death of Shakyamuni’s birth and death.

• observatory: The observation deck at Ushiku Daibutsu is located within the statue’s chest. It stands at 85 meters and provides amazing views of the surrounding area. On a super clear day, you can even see Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree.

Shinkanmon

Shinkanmon is the main gate leading to the Ushiku Daibutsu. Its unique in that the construction materials are all really modern and it has a very clean look.

Jojuen

Jojuen is a nice grassy area in front of Ushiku Daibutsu. The 10,000 square meter garden is home to many seasonal flowers. They represent how things in the world are ever changing and you should enjoy life. A picture with the flowers and the Buddha in the background is a beautiful scene. There are some picnic tables in the middle for people to stop and enjoy the sights.

Gunjoukai

This circular pond represents the present world where all living things are born from water. The pond’s water is the source of life for the surrounding seasonal flowers.

Daikoro

Daikoro is the largest incense burner in Japan. The bronze caldron’s circumference measures an impressive 2 meters and 50 centimeters across.

Honganshogon Niwa

The main gardens design is based on a Jodo-style from the Kamakura period. The completely man made garden is well maintained and manicured. It features a central pond with a small rest house. The backside of the garden has a nice sized grove of cherry blossom trees that bloom in April.

Fureai Garden Terrace

The Fureai Garden Terrace is a collection of attractions that includes a petting zoo with small animals, monkey performances, a terrace to rest at, and a restaurant.

Nakamise

Nakamise is a small shopping street located just outside of the main ticket gate. There are a number of souvenir shops selling locally produced Ibaraki goods and a couple of restaurants.

Nearby Attractions Include

Ami Premium Outlet

Best Times to Visit Ushiku Daibutsu

• April: Cherry Blossoms & Moss Phlox
• May: Flower Picking
• June: Hydrangea Blooming
• August: Mantoue

April: Cherry Blossoms & Moss Phlox

In April, the gardens cherry blossoms are in bloom. In addition, the grounds around the statue are covered in moss phlox a type of pink moss.

May: Flower Picking

There is a unique flower picking event held in May. Visitors can enjoy picking spring flowers like poppies and gypsophila. There are also flower picking events in summer and autumn for peonies, rhododendrons, hydrangeas, and cosmos respectively.

June: Hydrangea Blooming

Enjoy over 10,000 hydrangea plants in bloom. The area is awash with beautiful hues of white, pink, & purple flowers.

August: Mantoue

Mantoue is a summer holiday to celebrate obon, the Buddhist holiday commemorating one’s ancestors. There is an illumination around the Buddha statue, lantern arrangements, and a fireworks display.

Unique Reasons to Go

• Tallest Bronze Buddha Statue in Japan
• One of the Three Tallest Statues in the World Depicting a Buddha
• Flower Picking in Spring, Summer, & Autumn

Admission Fee & Hours

Ushiku Daibutsu Admission Fee

Garden & Daibutsu: ¥800/Adults, (junior high school students and older) ¥400/Children (Elementary school students & younger)

Garden Only: ¥500/Adults, (junior high school students and older) ¥300/Children (Elementary school students & younger)

Ushiku Daibutsu Hours

March ~ September: 9:30 – 17:00 (weekdays)

March ~ September: 9:30 – 17:30 (weekends & holidays)

October ~ February: 9:30 – 16:30 (weekdays)

October ~ February: 9:30 – 16:30 (weekends & holidays)

*Reception closes 30 minutes before closing time.

How to Access Ushiku Daibutsu

By Public Transportation

From Tokyo (Ueno Station) take an Ueno-Tokyo Line train bound for Tsuchiura station getting off at Ushiku Station (nearest train station) *Cheapest (53 minutes, ¥990 one way per person) Note: JR Pass Compatible

From Tokyo (Ueno Station) take a JR Joban Line train bound for Katsuta station getting off at Ushiku Station (nearest train station) *Cheapest (53 minutes, ¥990 one way per person) Note: JR Pass Compatible

At Ushiku Stations’ East Exit, take a (Kanto Bus) from Platform #2 bound for Ushiku Joen Garden/Ushiku Daibutsu (weekdays) getting off at Ushiku Daibutsu Bus Stop (牛久 大仏) (21 minutes, ¥530 one way per person)

At Ushiku Stations’ East Exit, take a (Kanto Bus) from Platform #2 bound for Ami Premium Outlets (weekends) getting off at Ushiku Daibutsu Bus Stop (牛久 大仏) (21 minutes, ¥530 one way per person)

By Car

• Ami-higashi IC (1.3 km East)
• Ushiku-Ami IC (4.1 km West)

Best Ushiku Daibutsu Parking Lots

Ushiku Daibutsu Parking Lot (820 Spaces, 50m from Main Entrance, Free) *Closest Parking Lot