Japan's Daibutsu

Japan is home to a number of fabulous Daibutsu, literally, 'Big Buddhas'. These statues vary widely in terms of size, material, personality, and style, from the 120 meter tall Ushiku Amida Buddha, shown on the right, to the Kamagaya Daibutsu, called "Japan's Smallest Big Buddha," which in my mind borders on the oxymoronic.


The first Daibutsu I'd like to showcase is the Ushiku Amida Buddha. At 110 meters tall, it is the third largest statue in the world, and more than three times the size of Brazil's Christ the Redeemer. Although I haven't seen it myself, it certainly looks impressive in this Googlesnatched photo.

However, the Ushiku Amida Buddha has two things going against it. Firstly, it's somewhat out of the way, compared to many of the Daibutsu which are in famous cultural centers. Secondly, and this one's a killer, the Ushiku Amida Buddha was completed in 1995, making it a whopping 14 years old.





Next up, The Great Buddha of Nara. This is the world's largest Buddha Vairocana. Work began on this bronze Daibutsu in 747, however, it has been repaired numerous times and had it's head replaced in 1692. It's nice and shiny, but it loses some of it's grandeur since it's crowded inside of a building.

Still, it's a must see if only for the sake of this building: Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall. It is, as it stands today, the largest wooden building in the world - and it's only 2/3 it's original size.









Last but not least, here's The Great Buddha of Kamakura. Although he can make no superlative claims, he is listed among Japan's official top 3 Daibutsu for good reason. Cast in 1252, this Daibutsu is more than 750 years old. He towers over the buildings around him while retaining a peaceful, otherworldly presence. Originally covered by a building like the Nara Buddha's Todaiji, his temple washed away in a tsunami long ago, leaving only the Daibutsu.

He is located in Kamakura, just a short train ride from Tokyo. This town features dozens of temples and makes a great day trip.

Still, the best thing about the Kamakura Buddha is that it's hollow in the middle, with windows on the back... and for 20¥, or about 22 cents, you can go inside.

Find out more in: Kamakura's Daibutsu