Ushiku Daibutsu Travel Guide

Ushiku Daibutsu, the giant bronze Buddha statue in Ibaraki

Ushiku Daibutsu Complete Travel Guide

Ushiku Daibutsu is a 120-meter bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha in Ushiku, Ibaraki, one of the tallest statues in the world, with an elevator inside that takes visitors up to an observation level and gardens at its base.

Quick Facts

PricePaid. Garden-only admission is around yen 500; garden plus entry inside the statue is about yen 800 for adults and yen 400 for children, with slightly lower prices in the winter months.
Time needed1.5 to 2 hours.
Best timeAny season. Clear days give the best long-distance views from the observation level inside the statue.
Good forFirst-time visitors curious about one of the world's tallest statues, families, and photographers.

Best Things to Do

  • Take the elevator inside the statue up to the observation floor for views over the surrounding countryside.
  • See the hall of thousands of small golden Buddha images on one of the interior floors.
  • Walk the gardens at the statue's base, which include seasonal flower beds and a small animal enclosure.
  • Photograph the statue from a distance across the surrounding lawns, since its full height is hard to capture up close.

Tickets and Fees

Checked in July 2026: ticket prices are modest but vary by whether you add entry inside the statue and by season, so check current prices before you go, especially if visiting as a family.

How to Get There

From Ushiku Station on the JR Joban Line, about an hour from central Tokyo, take a local bus or taxi to the site; there is no easy walking route from the station.

Nearby Attractions

This pairs well with a wider Ibaraki day trip; consider adding Kairakuen Garden in Mito if you have more time.

Book Before You Go

Use official information for opening hours and ticket rules, then book tours or tickets only when they fit your route.