乗蓮寺(東京大仏)
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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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乗蓮寺(東京大仏)

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! :pray:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Nearby Nature

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

Third hero image

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 :pray:

🚶‍♀️ 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?

reddit.com

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

📜 Goshuin Available (Paper Only)

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

⏰ 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 :pray:

🚶‍♀️ 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 :scroll:

⏰ 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 :bicycle:

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

"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

"Beautiful area and botanical garden just steps away. Worth the journey over to this part of the city"

Kimberly McGehee

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

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ueno Daibutsu offers a peaceful and visually interesting experience for families. The large Buddha statue is impressive for children, and the surrounding stone idols can spark curiosity. The nearby Botanical Garden is a fantastic place for kids to explore and run around, especially during warmer months. Reddit

Consider visiting on a weekday to ensure a more relaxed experience. While there aren't specific play areas, the open grounds and the natural beauty of the adjacent gardens provide ample space for children to enjoy. Pack some snacks, as food vendors are not always present. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

For solo travelers seeking tranquility, Ueno Daibutsu is an ideal destination. Its status as a local secret means you can often enjoy the serene atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of major tourist spots. Reddit The peaceful gardens and the contemplative presence of the Great Buddha offer a perfect setting for quiet reflection or meditation.

Combine your visit with a stroll through the Botanical Garden or explore the nearby castle ruins for a fulfilling solo outing. The ease of access via bicycle along the Arakawa River also makes it a convenient option for independent exploration. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will appreciate the unique visual appeal of Ueno Daibutsu. The imposing Great Buddha statue against the backdrop of the temple grounds offers striking compositions. The numerous stone idols provide interesting details and textures for close-up shots. Reddit

Morning light often yields soft, beautiful illumination for capturing the serenity of the site. Don't forget to explore the adjacent Botanical Garden for vibrant floral subjects and picturesque landscapes, especially during peak seasons. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Significance of the Great Buddha

The Ueno Daibutsu, or Great Buddha Remains, is a significant bronze statue that, despite its name, is largely intact. It stands as Japan's third-largest Buddhist statue, a testament to the country's rich religious heritage. While the statue itself is the main draw, the surrounding area is dotted with numerous stone idols, each with its own unique character, contributing to the site's contemplative atmosphere. Reddit

Many visitors express surprise at the peacefulness and lack of crowds, noting it as a refreshing change from more heavily touristed sites. This tranquility allows for a more personal connection with the spiritual essence of the place. The temple also offers Goshuin, a traditional calligraphy stamp, though it's provided on paper rather than directly in a visitor's book. Reddit

The serene setting and the imposing presence of the Daibutsu make it a place for quiet reflection. It's a spot that locals cherish as a neighborhood treasure, and its understated charm is part of its appeal. Reddit

Exploring the Surrounding Natural Beauty

A major draw for visitors to Ueno Daibutsu is its proximity to other significant local attractions. Just a stone's throw away lies the Itabashi Botanical Garden, a beautifully maintained space that is particularly stunning during the autumn and spring seasons. Reddit Many reviews highlight this garden as a must-visit, offering a vibrant contrast to the solemnity of the temple.

Beyond the gardens, you can also discover castle ruins and a charming waterfall within walking distance. These elements add layers of historical and natural interest to your visit, making it possible to curate a half-day or even a full day of exploration in the area. Reddit

Combining these nearby sites with the Ueno Daibutsu provides a well-rounded experience, showcasing not only spiritual heritage but also the natural and historical richness of the locale. It's an opportunity to appreciate the diverse offerings of this often-overlooked part of the city. Reddit

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