Great Showa Buddha

About this Attraction

he Great Showa Buddha, or Shōwa Daibutsu, is a monumental seated bronze statue of Dainichi Nyorai (Vairocana Buddha) located at Seiryū-ji Temple in Aomori City, Japan. Completed in 1984, this statue stands at 21.35 meters tall and weighs approximately 220 tons, making it the tallest seated bronze Buddha in Japan, surpassing even the renowned Great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura .

Seiryū-ji Temple, also known as the "Blue-Green Dragon Temple," was established in 1982 and serves as an affiliate of the Kōyasan Shingon sect of Buddhism . The temple grounds feature several notable structures, including a five-story pagoda built in 1996 from natural Aomori cypress wood, standing at 39 meters tall, making it the fourth tallest in Japan . The main hall, constructed entirely from cypress, houses significant Buddhist treasures such as the "Descent of Amida and the Heavenly Multitude" painting and the "Amitabha Looking Back" statue.

Visitors can also experience shōjin-ryōri, traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine, by making a reservation at the temple office . The serene environment, surrounded by lush forests, provides a tranquil setting for reflection and spiritual exploration.

The Great Showa Buddha is not only a remarkable example of modern Buddhist sculpture but also a symbol of peace and enlightenment. Its impressive scale and serene presence make it a must-visit destination for those traveling to Aomori Prefecture.