Discovering Japan's biggest Buddha at Mount Nokogiri

A mini adventure across land and sea from Tokyo to see the 31-meter Nihonji Daibatsu

By Virginia Lau 15 September, 2010

Previous Pause Next

Nihonji Daibatsu

At 31 meters, the Nihonji Daibatsu is twice the size of the Kamakura Daibatsu.

Jigoku Nozoki

The 380-meter high observatory provides breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay, Boso Peninsula and Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Mount Nokogiri-yama

Breathtaking views of Tokyo Bay, Boso Peninsula and Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Hyaku Shaku Kannon

Standing 100 feet tall, Hyaku Shaku Kannon is a monument to soldiers killed during World War II.

Tokai 1,500 Rakan

It took 21 years for Ono Jingoro Eirei and his 27 apprentices to complete these 1,500 distinctly carved Buddhist saint statues.

Nihonji Daibatsu

Due to years of erosion, the Nihonji Daibatsu underwent major restoration for a period of four years from 1966.

Onegai Jizo

Worshippers write down names of people they want to pray for on small red and white Onegai Jizo surrounding the larger figure.

1 of 1

“Almost!” screams my friend Miwa. Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I look up to see two middle-aged women in heels making their way up Jigoku Nozoki (地獄覗き; "a peep at hell"), where we are also headed. It's a surprising sight, because the walk up to Nokigiri-yama’s “peep at hell” is rocky and steep.

Former editorial assistant Virginia Lau studied international relations and taught English while living and traveling abroad. She is now senior editor at Perspective Magazine.

Discovering Japan's biggest Buddha at Mount Nokogiri

Nihonji Daibatsu

Jigoku Nozoki

Mount Nokogiri-yama

Hyaku Shaku Kannon

Tokai 1,500 Rakan

Nihonji Daibatsu

Onegai Jizo

you may also like

MOST POPULAR

WEIRD WORLD