Journey to the Giant: Exploring Ibaraki's Iconic Statue & Beyond

Ushiku Daibutsu in Ibaraki

Ushiku Daibutsu is the world's tallest bronze statue of Buddha and is a prominent attraction in Ibaraki Prefecture. This immense statue is situated within a vast flower field, creating a picturesque setting.

120m height. Getting closer, looking larger and larger!

Ushiku Daibutsu stands in a location reachable by bus from Ushiku Station. With a 30-minute bus ride from the station, you enjoy a peaceful moment with the rustic landscape on the way there, when the statue suddenly peeks through the trees. Arriving at the park and going through the entrance, you see the 120 m-high statue standing in front of you.  

As the statue stands alone in the middle of vast flat land, it looks much taller than its actual height. The statue seems to follow you as you walk, perhaps reminding you of a first lovely/scary experience in childhood, being followed by the moon.

Inside the statue has an observation floor reachable by elevator. There are also floors for exhibits related to Buddhism and the Ushiku Daibutsu statue. To enter the statue, an extra fee is required. Visitors wishing to enter must purchase a combination ticket for both park admission and statue access. On days when events are held at the park, only combination tickets are available to buy.

Ushiku Daibutsu Statue of Buddha 牛久大仏
Admission fees vary by season. To find the information, see their official website.
https://daibutu.net/　(Japanese website)

Ami Premium Outlets is near Ushiku Daibutsu

Close to Ushiku Daibutsu, an outlet shopping mall, "the Ami Premium Outlets", is a place to stop by. This outlet mall draws inspiration from the townscape of the West Coast of America, with around 160 popular Japanese and international brand shops. Shoppers can see the giant Buddha standing out at a distance.

Getting to Ami Premium Outlets
The bus service is available between Ushiku Daibutsu and Ami Premium Outlets, which is also within walking distance, about a 20-minute walk..

To reach Ami Premium Outlets from nearby stations, two bus services available. A daily bus service operates between Ami Premium Outlets and JR Arakawaoki Station. Additionally, there is another bus service connecting Ami Premium Outlets and Ushiku Station, but this service is only available on weekends and national holidays.

Ami Premium Outlets アミプレミアムアウトレット
https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/en/ami/

Sylvanian Park with the life-size Houses

Ushiku has one more unique spot called Sylvanian Park. It’s all about the Sylvanian Families (Calico Critters) brand and has a bunch of fun attractions. You can check out specialty stores that sell Sylvanian goodies and enjoy playgrounds for kids, which have life-size replicas of the Sylvanian Family houses.

Getting to Sylvanian Park
Free shuttle bus service is available between Ushiku Station and Sylvanian Park (Ibaland Komorebi Forest). The bus departs from the East Exit of Ushiku Station. You can take Bus No. 5 or No. 6. (30-min ride) For detailed information, including the bus schedule and admission fees, see their website.

Sylvanian Park (Ibaland Komorebi Forest) 
https://www.ibaraido.co.jp/access/

How to get to Ushiku Daibutsu from Central Tokyo

By Train and Bus from Ueno 上野
From JR Ueno station 上野駅, take Joban-sen train 常磐線 and get off at Ushiku station 牛久駅
(56 min ride)
From Ushiku station (East exit. Bus stop No.2), take a bus bound for Ushiku Daibutsu or Ami Premium Outlet. (20 to 30 min ride)

Getting to Ami Premium Outlets by way of Arakawaoki Station
By Train and Bus from Ueno 上野
From JR Ueno station 上野駅, take Joban-sen line 常磐線 and get off at Arakawaoki station 荒川沖駅 (1-hour ride)
From Arakawaoki station, take a bus bound for Ami Premium Outlets. ( 20-min ride)