Takaoka Great Buddha

Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast


Construction of this great bronze Buddha statue began in 1907 and was completed in 1933. The statue was moved to its present location in 1981 after the ground supporting it began to give way. It's now a symbol of the city and referred to as one of the three Great Buddhas of Japan.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kanazawa & the Hokuriku Coast attractions

1. Kojō Park

0.31 MILES

This big park is the site of the old Takaoka castle (kojō means – you guessed it – 'old castle'), demolished in 1615 after being in use only six years…

2. Risaburō Foundry

0.74 MILES

This factory has been producing traditional Takaoka bronzeware since the Meiji era and allows visitors a rare and fascinating glimpse of the casting…

3. Zuiryū-ji

0.78 MILES

One of Japan's National Treasures, the temple of the second generation of feudal lord Maeda Toshinaga's family is rightly famous for its manicured lawns,…

4. Himi Shōwa Museum

5.68 MILES

This fabulous little museum is a good reason to pass through Himi. It showcases all manner of memorabilia from the Shōwa period (1926–89), encompassing…

5. Toyama Municipal Folkcraft Village

9.87 MILES

Here you'll find folk art, ceramics, sumi-e (ink brush paintings) and more in a cluster of hillside buildings. Toyama's free Museum Bus (10 minutes,…

6. Chōkei-ji

9.88 MILES

This hilltop temple has a wonderful outlook, but you've come to see the 500-plus stone statues of rakan (Buddha's disciples) lined up in the forest. It's…

7. Kansui Park

11.14 MILES

This immaculately maintained park built on reclaimed land around Toyama's canal and lock system is a wonderful place for a stroll or picnic. It's a…

8. Kita-ke

15.69 MILES

During the Edo period the Kita family administered over 200 villages from Kita-ke, the pivotal crossroads of the Kaga, Etchū and Noto fiefs. Inside this…

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