Takaoka Daibutsu

Posted on June 20, 2007 by Adam R.

Takaoka City is located a short drive away from Tonami City where I am located and both are in rural Toyama Prefecture. Takaoka City is famous for Urushi, which is Japanese lacquerware and a very old bronze ware industry. The city itself gives subtle hints of the bronze industry with countless statues, lanterns and bells around virtually every corner. Takaoka used to be a Castle town and this is where the local bronze industry has its roots, but the Castle itself was destroyed and no longer exists.

A major supplier to Temples and Shrines all across Japan, Takaoka has one big bronze secret that is a major sightseeing and pilgrimage destination for tourists, locals and the faithful alike.

Takaoka has one of the three biggest Buddha statues in all of Japan, which is pronounced "Takaoka Daibutsu" in Japanese.

The Takaoka Daibutsu is made out of cast Takaoka bronze, so has a green appearance from exposure over the years to the elements. One thing to note is the Takaoka Daibutsu location has been built around densely so it is surrounded on all sides by modern construction.

On the first Sunday of every month there is a special Takaoka Daibutsu Day and today is that day so on my first visit the place is extra busy. I recommend you time your visit to coincide with Takaoka Daibutsu Day as you learn about the history of the statue first hand and can ask the locals any questions you have. There is a small kiosk where you can get an Omomori from if you wish then walk up inside the statue, inside there are artworks with stories depicting what hell is like according to Buddhism. The perfect photo would be with the sun setting directly behind the Takaoka Daibutsu but this shot would be near impossible because of its location.

If you happen to be around Takaoka city on September 22nd and 23rd there is a big annual ceremony to wash the statue and a few bottles of sake to celebrate afterwards. If you have some money to spend there is a RyokanTraditional Japanese bed and breakfast style inn. located very close to the statue so it makes a good base to launch your sightseeing excursions form. The local shops have thousands of bronze products for sale so I suggest doing some window-shopping after you leave the statue.

Also not to far away is Zuiryuji Temple which is a must see.

Daibutsu Ryokan Website

Zuiryuji Temple Story