Ueno Daibutsu (Great Buddha Remains)
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Ueno Daibutsu (Great Buddha Remains)

4.2
·2k reviews·Itabashi City, Japan

A serene local treasure featuring Japan's third-largest bronze Buddha statue, surrounded by peaceful gardens and stone idols.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy quiet contemplation

CrowdLow
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Ueno Daibutsu (Great Buddha Remains)

Ueno Daibutsu (Great Buddha Remains)

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy quiet contemplation

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene local treasure featuring Japan's third-largest bronze Buddha statue, surrounded by peaceful gardens and stone idols.

4.2
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful and peaceful temple, with various statues for paying respects, but the most outstanding is the Daibutsu."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Keep it a Local Secret

This spot is a cherished neighborhood gem. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and help keep it that way! 🙏

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Nature

Combine your visit with the adjacent Botanical Gardens and castle ruins for a full day out. :evergreen_tree:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.2 · 1,552 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

The Great Buddha (Daibutsu)

Main temple grounds

A massive, serene bronze Buddha statue, Japan's third largest, offering a moment of quiet contemplation.

Reddit
Stone Idols

Stone Idols

Surrounding the Daibutsu

Dozens of smaller stone statues create a unique and somewhat somber atmosphere around the main Buddha.

Reddit
Peaceful Temple Gardens

Peaceful Temple Gardens

Throughout the grounds

Beautifully landscaped gardens offer a tranquil escape, perfect for a quiet stroll and reflection.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Serenity

This peaceful temple is a local treasure, often overlooked by tourists. Visit on a weekday to truly soak in the tranquility and avoid the longer waits that can occur on holidays like New Year's Day. Reddit

Combine with Nearby Nature

Ueno Daibutsu is conveniently located near the Botanical Gardens and castle ruins. Plan to spend a few hours exploring these adjacent attractions for a fuller experience of the area. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy quiet contemplation
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons (before 4 PM)
Why
Avoid early closing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

@Itabashi Hanae #วาดรูป #ศิลปะ #หมอวาดรูป
@ame.mtc
334.9K likes • 1.9M views

🤫 Keep it a Local Secret

This spot is a cherished neighborhood gem. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and help keep it that way! Reddit 🙏

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Nature

Combine your visit with the adjacent Botanical Gardens and castle ruins for a full day out. Reddit :evergreen_tree:

reddit.com

Best way to get to Ushiku Daibutsu from Tokyo?

I'm planning out a 13 night stay in Japan - traveling with my spouse, my parents, and my sibling (who has autism so my parents take them around). My parents are Buddhists and would like to see the Ushiku Daibutsu, but I'm wondering what would be the most convenient way for them…

reddit.com

The Biggest of the Big! Largest Daibutsu (Large Buddha) Statue in Japan at 120m Tall! The Ushiku Daibutsu in Ushiku, Ibaraki!

I was there earlier in the year with my best mate prior to covid, if you are not driving pay attention to the bus schedules! It's possible to go up the Buddha statue until the chest level (see the three slits), I would highly recommend going up there. Hopefully I can make it…

📜 Goshuin Available (Paper Only)

You can get a goshuin here, but it's only provided on paper, not for your book. Reddit 📜

⏰ Check Closing Times

The temple closes relatively early, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. Reddit :clock1:

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Keep it a Local Secret

This spot is a cherished neighborhood gem. Enjoy the peace and quiet, and help keep it that way! Reddit 🙏

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Nature

Combine your visit with the adjacent Botanical Gardens and castle ruins for a full day out. Reddit :evergreen_tree:

📜 Goshuin Available (Paper Only)

You can get a goshuin here, but it's only provided on paper, not for your book. Reddit 📜

⏰ Check Closing Times

The temple closes relatively early, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid disappointment. Reddit :clock1:

🚲 Easy Bicycle Access

Cycling along the Arakawa River makes reaching the temple very convenient. Reddit 🚲

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ueno Daibutsu for its peaceful atmosphere and the impressive Great Buddha statue, often noting it as an underrated local gem. Many appreciate the lack of crowds, making it a serene escape. Some mention the early closing times and the paper-only Goshuin as minor drawbacks.

"I love this small temple. There are no large tourist crowds, and it's peaceful. They close early, but it's a must-see if you are in Itabashi and are interested in visiting temples. It would take less than an hour to see everything-maybe 30 minutes, but it's next to the botanical garden. And walking distance to the castle ruins and the drippy waterfall."

Christy M

"I’ve been coming here with my family for more than 20 years. It’s a special treasure of our neighborhood, and I am somewhat grateful that more people don’t know about it. New Year’s Day is can be a long wait. This last time we were disappointed that there weren’t any vendors selling food stalls in the parking lot as we are used to seeing. We left hungry, but happy as always to see our buddy the Buddha. When I speak with others who are from the Tokyo area, most say they never knew that there is Japan’s third largest Buddhist statue right here in our humble hood. If you haven’t come to see it yet, I highly recommend it. The nearby Botanical Gardens also beautiful, especially in the fall and spring."

Vince Prep

"A beautiful and peaceful temple, with various statues for paying respects, but the most outstanding is the Daibutsu. They also offer goshuin, but only on paper, they not provide written version in your goshuin book."

Supavit Kiatteerarat

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Impressive Great Buddha statue
Underrated local treasure

What People Dislike

Early closing times
Paper-only Goshuin

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ueno Daibutsu is accessible via public transport. You can take a train to Itabashi Station and then it's a walk or a short bus ride. Some visitors find cycling along the Arakawa River a pleasant and convenient option. Reddit

While it's a local treasure, it's not always heavily signposted for international tourists. Using a navigation app on your phone is recommended. It's often mentioned in conjunction with the nearby Botanical Gardens. Reddit

Many visitors suggest that cycling along the Arakawa River offers a scenic and straightforward route. Public transport via train to Itabashi Station is also a common choice. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available, which can be convenient if you're arriving by car or bicycle. However, be aware that food stalls are not always present in the parking lot. Reddit

The grounds are relatively flat and peaceful, making it generally accessible. However, it's always a good idea to check specific accessibility details if needed. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the Ueno Daibutsu grounds is generally free, making it an accessible attraction. However, specific areas or events might have associated fees. Reddit

The temple closes relatively early, so it's important to check the exact closing time before your visit to ensure you have enough time to explore. Reddit

Yes, you can obtain a Goshuin here. However, they are provided on paper and not directly written into your Goshuin book. Reddit

The main attraction, the Great Buddha statue, is part of the temple grounds and typically does not have a separate admission fee. Reddit

While generally peaceful, popular holidays like New Year's Day can see longer waits. It's always wise to check for any special event schedules or temporary closures. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds, allowing you to capture the serene Buddha statue and gardens. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas. Reddit

The area directly in front of the Great Buddha statue offers the most iconic shots. The surrounding gardens also provide beautiful, tranquil backdrops for your photos. Reddit

Yes, you can photograph the numerous stone idols surrounding the Daibutsu. Their unique presence adds to the atmosphere and visual interest of the site. Reddit

As with most religious sites in Japan, drone usage is likely restricted or prohibited. It's best to avoid bringing drones to respect the sanctity of the location. Reddit

Morning light can be soft and beautiful for photographing the Buddha and gardens. Late afternoon can also offer pleasant lighting before the temple closes. Reddit

🎫 🌳 Nearby Attractions

Ueno Daibutsu is adjacent to the beautiful Itabashi Botanical Garden, which is highly recommended, especially in fall and spring. Castle ruins and a waterfall are also within walking distance. Reddit

The Botanical Garden is just steps away from the temple grounds, making it incredibly convenient to visit both in one outing. Reddit

Yes, the castle ruins are within walking distance and offer a glimpse into the area's history, complementing the spiritual experience of the temple. Reddit

Absolutely. You can comfortably see both attractions in a half-day, especially if you focus on the main highlights of each. Reddit

The Botanical Garden is known for its beauty, particularly during the autumn and spring seasons, offering a peaceful and scenic complement to the temple visit. Reddit

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