Japan has many “Top Three” rankings—such as the Three Great Sand Dunes or the Three Scenic Views—but have you ever heard of the “Three Great Buddhas of Japan”?
The other day, I visited Takaoka Daibutsu, which is sometimes mentioned as one of them… or maybe not? It’s a bit unclear.
What Are the Three Great Buddhas of Japan?
For reference, here are some other famous “Top Three” rankings in Japan:
- Three Great Sand Dunes: Tottori, Nakatajima, Kujukuri
- Three Scenic Views of Japan: Miyajima, Amanohashidate, Matsushima
(Though, as always, there are various opinions on these.)
So, what about the Three Great Buddhas? The commonly cited list includes:
- The Great Buddha of Nara
- The Great Buddha of Kamakura
- The Great Buddha of Hyogo
However, the Hyogo Daibutsu was melted down during the war and later reconstructed in 1991. Because of this, some argue that its historical continuity is weak, leaving the third spot open to debate.
According to Wikipedia:
Japan’s Three Great Buddhas refers to three representative Great Buddha statues in Japan. Two of them are the Great Buddha of Nara at Todaiji Temple in Nara and the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in Temple in Kanagawa. As for the third, there are various theories, but in reality, the term “Three Great Buddhas of Japan” is not commonly used.
Ouch. Seeing it stated so bluntly took the wind out of my sails a bit. But since I’ve come this far, I’ll write about my visit anyway.
Arriving at Takaoka Daibutsu
There are a few parking spots near the statue, but they were all full, so I parked at a nearby coin-operated lot.
Near the entrance, I found this intriguing monument featuring a rabbit and a door. Not sure what it symbolizes, but it caught my attention.
The Imposing Sight of Takaoka Daibutsu
And here it is—Takaoka Daibutsu!
I’ve never been to Kamakura, but like the Kamakura Daibutsu, this one is an outdoor statue rather than being housed inside a temple.
The area had a relaxed and peaceful atmosphere, making it a nice place to stroll.
The base of the Buddha is open to visitors, and admission is free. Inside, the walls are adorned with various paintings—including some eerie depictions of Buddhist hell, which might be a bit intense for some.
Stats and Fun Comparisons
The information board states that the Buddha is 7.43 meters tall. For reference, the life-size Gundam statue in Odaiba stands at 18 meters. So, this Buddha is just over half the height of a Gundam!
According to Wikipedia:
In 1933, the famous poet Akiko Yosano visited Takaoka and remarked that the Takaoka Daibutsu was “even more handsome than the Kamakura Daibutsu.“
And I must admit—it does have a rather refined, noble look.
Modern Meets Ancient: Free Wi-Fi?
One amusing detail: even the Wi-Fi sign features an illustration of the Buddha. A fun blend of tradition and modernity!
Final Thoughts
Takaoka Daibutsu is located at Daibutsu-ji Temple in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture. The fact that it’s free to visit makes it a great sightseeing spot.
Now that I’ve seen the Takaoka Daibutsu, my next stop is the Kamakura Daibutsu. I also learned that the Gifu Daibutsu claims to be one of Japan’s Three Great Buddhas, so I might check that out too.
By the time I finish my journey, I might have my own personal ranking of Japan’s Three Great Buddhas!
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