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Ushiku Daibtsu in Ibaraki

Have you ever used Narita International Airport? If so, the chances are that you have happened to see a little statue standing in the rice fields when the airplane takes off or lands on. The statue is Ushiku Daibtsu, the tallest bronze statue of Buddha in the world, stands in Ushiku of Ibaraki prefecture, about 38km away from the Narita airport.

From Ushiku station, the bus goes through serene rice fields and heads for Ushiku Daibutsu. While the passengers enjoy a peaceful moment with the rustic landscape on the way there, the statue suddenly peeps through the trees.



With a height of 120m, Ushiku Daibutsu is the world’s tallest bronze statue of Buddha. Standing alone in the middle of fields, it looks much taller than the actual height. The statue seems to follow you when you walk, reminds you of the first lovely/scary experience in childhood, being followed by the moon.

The statue stands in a large park, designed to represent the Buddhist Pure Land, includes large flower gardens and a squirrel / rabbit garden. People visit there not only to see the statue but also to see flowers bloom from season to season.

Inside of 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 inside of the statue, extra fee is required. Visitors who want to go inside of the statue, need to buy a combination ticket for both a park admission and a statue entrance. On days when events are held at the park, only combination tickets are available to buy.

Ami Premium Outlets is near Ushiku Daibutsu

Near Ushiku Daibtsu is an outlet shopping mall "the Ami Premium Outlets", the another attraction in Ushiku. If you visit the mall for shopping or eating, the statue of Buddha stuck out from the shopping streets is a must-see. The bus service is available between Ushiku Daibutsu and Ami Premium Outlets, that is also within walking distance, about a 15-min on foot.

 

Information

Getting 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)

Bus timetable (From Ushiku station to Ushiku Daibutsu)
https://www.kantetsu.co.jp/bus/timetable_hitachino_ushiku.html
(Japanese)

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)

 

Related Websites

Ushiku Daibutsu Statue of Buddha 牛久大仏

https://daibutu.net/ (Japanese website)

Ibaraki Prefectural Tourism & Local Products Association

http://english.ibarakiguide.jp/

Ami Premium Outlets アミプレミアムアウトレット

https://www.premiumoutlets.co.jp/ami/

Chateou Kamiya

Japan's first winery. (8-min walk from Ushiku station.)
https://www.oenon.jp/ushiku-chateau// (Japanese website)
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