What is Takaoka Daibutsu?
Takaoka Daibutsu is a 13.3m tall bronze Buddha statue located in Takaoka City, Toyama Prefecture.
Takaoka Daibutsu was built in 1614 by Toshinaga Maeda, the first lord of the Takaoka domain. Originally, the plan was to build a Great Buddha to rival the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, the largest bronze Buddha in Japan at the time, but Toshinaga died while the Great Buddha was being cast, so it was completed at its current size.
Route to Takaoka Daibutsu
Takaoka Daibutsu is conveniently accessed by car or motorcycle.
By car, exit the Hokuriku Expressway at Takaoka IC and proceed along National Route 8 towards Takaoka City. After that, transfer from National Route 8 to Prefectural Route 37 and get off at “Takaoka Daibutsu”, which is the entrance to Takaoka Daibutsu, and you will soon arrive at Takaoka Daibutsu.
If you are riding a motorcycle, get off the Hokuriku Expressway at Takaoka IC and take National Route 8 towards Takaoka City. After that, transfer from National Route 8 to Prefectural Route 37 and get off at “Takaoka Daibutsu”, which is the entrance to Takaoka Daibutsu, and you will soon arrive at Takaoka Daibutsu.
Highlights of Takaoka Daibutsu
The highlight of Takaoka Daibutsu is its size.
Takaoka Daibutsu is one of the tallest Buddha statues in Japan, with a height of 13.3 meters. In addition, it is the second largest bronze Buddha statue after the Roshana Buddha at Todaiji Temple.
You can even go inside the Takaoka Great Buddha. Inside, materials related to the construction of the Great Buddha and the history of the Takaoka Great Buddha are on display.
Takaoka Daibutsu motorcycle parking lot
Takaoka Daibutsu has its own parking lot, and cars and motorcycles are shared.
Parking is free.
The parking lot is small and can only accommodate about 4 cars, so if it’s full or in high season, you’ll have to use a nearby parking lot.
Summary
Takaoka Daibutsu is a historic giant Buddha statue that is well-known as a symbol of Takaoka City. Be sure to stop by when you’re touring by bike.
