Ushiku Daibutsu, standing 120 metres tall including its pedestal and lotus platform, is one of the tallest bronze statues in the world, dwarfing landmarks like the Statue of Liberty. Completed in 1993, the colossal Amida Buddha rises dramatically above the flat Ibaraki countryside, visible from a considerable distance. Visitors can enter the statue itself, riding an elevator up to an observation deck around the chest level, which offers panoramic views across the surrounding plains, alongside a small museum and garden with seasonal flower displays at the base.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Ushiku, Ibaraki |
| Hours | ~9:30–16:30 (seasonal variation) |
| Admission | Around ¥800 (includes observation deck) |
| Time needed | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; spring for the surrounding flower garden |
What to See
- The 120 m bronze Buddha, among the tallest statues in the world.
- An observation deck partway up the statue with panoramic views.
- A small museum on Buddhist art and the statue’s construction.
- Seasonal flower gardens surrounding the base.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with Tsukuba Space Center sightseeing.
- Pair with Lake Kasumigaura nearby.
- Read our Ibaraki overview .
Getting There
- By train: JR Ushiku Station, then a 20-min bus to the site.
- By car: roughly 1–1.5 hours from central Tokyo, with on-site parking.
Tips
The statue is visible from a striking distance on approach — worth photographing from the surrounding roads as well as up close. The observation deck’s small windows offer a distinctive framed view rather than an open panorama, so manage expectations accordingly.
