Located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, the Ushiku Daibutsu (牛久大仏) is one of the tallest statues in the world. Standing at 120 meters including its base and platform, the statue represents Amitabha Buddha and was completed in 1993. It offers visitors a peaceful, scenic spot that combines cultural significance with family-friendly activities — all within a day trip’s reach from Tokyo.
Yes — Ushiku Daibutsu is absolutely worth visiting, especially for those looking to explore beyond Tokyo’s usual tourist routes. As someone who recently visited, I was impressed by the sheer scale of the statue — it’s truly massive and awe-inspiring in person. But beyond the size, the grounds are serene and welcoming, making it a relaxing destination.
The site is great for families and couples alike. You can stroll through a small animal park, enjoy seasonal flowers, or simply have a picnic on the spacious lawns. There’s food available inside the premises, but you’re also allowed to bring your own food, which many visitors do. Overall, it’s a calm and wholesome destination perfect for a half-day or full-day trip.
What to See and Do?
- Observation Deck: Visitors can take an elevator inside the statue up to a viewing floor at 85 meters, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.
- Garden and Flower Paths: The surrounding park has beautiful seasonal flowers, especially cherry blossoms in spring and cosmos in autumn.
- Small Animal Park: Great for children, there’s a petting zoo with small animals like rabbits and goats.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: The peaceful environment makes it a good spot for reflection or a quiet day outdoors.
How Can I Get There?
Location:
Ushiku Daibutsu is accessible from Tokyo without a car, though public transportation requires a few transfers.
Ushiku Daibutsu is accessible from Tokyo without a car, though public transportation requires a few transfers.
From Tokyo:
- Take the JR Joban Line from Ueno Station to Ushiku Station (about 50–60 minutes via limited express, or 70–80 minutes by local train).
- From Ushiku Station, take the Kanto Tetsudo Bus bound for “Ushiku Daibutsu” (牛久大仏行き) from the East Exit.
- The bus ride takes about 30 minutes, and drops you directly at the entrance to the Daibutsu grounds.
- Buses are not extremely frequent (about once per hour), so checking the timetable in advance is recommended. Alternatively, a taxi from Ushiku Station takes about 20 minutes.
By Car:
If you do have access to a car, the site is about 90 minutes from central Tokyo via the Joban Expressway (Amihigashi IC exit). There is ample parking available on-site.
Rent a car?
Easy car rental from Klook, check here to know more.
Admission Fee and Hours
Admission:
Adults: 800 yen
Children (ages 4 to elementary school): 400 yen
Includes access to the observation deck inside the statue.
Opening Hours:
9:30 am – 5:00 pm (last entry at 4:30 pm)
Open daily, except during inclement weather or maintenance.
Tip: Visit in spring or autumn to enjoy the flower gardens at their most vibrant.
