10 Revered Buddhas in Japan

The Great Buddha of Nara, housed in Todai-ji Temple, is one of the most iconic and revered statues in Japan. This awe-inspiring bronze statue of the central Buddha of Mahayana Buddhism dates back to the year 752 CE. It stands 14.98 meters tall, and the statue's eyes are 1 meter in diameter.

The Todai-ji Temple complex is a perfect serene escape from the busy modern life. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and the air is filled with birdsong and the tranquil sounds of chanting monks. Todai-ji is also famous for its tame deer which roam freely throughout the temple grounds. You can reach Nara from Osaka in about an hour by automobile or train.

You’ll find the Great Buddha of Kamakura in Kotoku-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Kamakura near Yokohama. This bronze statue of Amida Buddha, the central Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism, is 11.3 meters tall. The Great Buddha's serene expression, slender fingers, and elongated shape of its body reflect the Buddhist concept of enlightenment and the aspiration for salvation. Here you can witness the reverence with which pilgrims and devotees from all over the country approach the statue, offering prayers and seeking blessings.

Kotoku-in Temple is a picturesque complex with ancient trees, lush gardens and a serene atmosphere. Spend some time wandering through the temple grounds, admiring the architecture and soaking in the peaceful ambience.

The main hall of the Sanjusangendo Temple in Kyoto is home to the magnificent statue of a thousand-armed Kannon, the Bodhisattva of compassion. The statue is made up of 1,001 individual statues, each one painstakingly carved from Japanese cypress. The statues are incredibly detailed, with delicate features and intricate patterns. You can get a close-up look at the statues thanks to the raised walkway that runs around the hall.

The Sanjusangendo Temple is part of a larger temple complex that includes several other buildings, including a museum and a teahouse. You can spend all day here just wandering through the gardens and admiring the architecture. It only takes a 10-minute walk from Shichijō station to reach the temple.

The statue of Kuse Kannon in Horyuji Temple in Nara is one of the oldest wooden statues in the world, created in the 7th century. It’s a masterpiece of Buddhist art and is considered to be one of the most important national treasures of Japan. The statue is said to have miraculous abilities and is believed to have the power to save people from suffering.

The Horyuji Temple, surrounded by mountains and forests, is one of the most beautiful and serene temples in Japan. The lush gardens on the temple grounds are perfect for leisurely strolls. Here you can even learn about Japanese history and culture in the many museums and exhibitions.

The reclining Buddha statue in Nanzoin Temple measures 41 meters in length and is gilded with gold leaf. This impressive statue depicts Buddha in a state of Parinirvana, or perfect peace, and you can really feel the tranquil atmosphere around it.

Nanzoin Temple is a practicing Buddhist temple, and you’ll see monks going about their daily rituals. The temple also houses many Buddhist artifacts and scriptures, which offer insights into Buddhist history and teachings. Nanzoin Temple is situated in the foothills of the Higashi-Chikugo Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The temple is a short drive from the city of Fukuoka, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.

The Great Buddha of Ushiku in Ushiku Daibutsu-in Temple is one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world. The awe-inspiring statue stands 120 meters tall. The statue's serene expression and delicate features are said to convey a sense of wisdom and compassion. His hands, held in the mudra of meditation, symbolize samadhi, a state of profound inner stillness and clarity.

The Ushiku Daibutsu-in Temple is surrounded by a beautiful park with gardens, forests and an artificial lake. You can enjoy a scenic walk around the grounds and admire the Great Buddha from different angles. The temple is also a center of Buddhist learning and hosts a number of traditional ceremonies throughout the year.

The grandeur of the standing statues of Amida Triad in Jodoji Temple in Ono is simply breath-taking. The central statue of Amida Buddha is flanked by two attendant bodhisattvas, Kannon and Seishi. The central statue is 3.8 meters tall and was created using the intricate dry lacquer technique. The delicate details and tranquil expressions of the statues are truly incredible. To experience the spiritual energy of the statues, try sitting in meditation near them.

Within the temple grounds, you can admire the traditional wooden architecture of the buildings and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. At Jodoji Temple you can also take part in guided tours or attend lectures and exhibits to learn about the teachings of Pure Land Buddhism.

The striking statue of Miroku Bosatsu in half-lotus position, located in Koryuji Temple, is made of camphorwood and covered in gold leaf. It’s considered to be one of the finest examples of Japanese Buddhist art with its incredibly delicate details. The serene expression on Miroku's face is truly captivating. That’s one of the reasons the statue is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.

The Koryuji Temple is one of the oldest temples in Japan and has been a place of worship for centuries. The temple is located in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, one of the most scenic parts of the city. The Uzumasa-Kōryūji streetcar stop is just outside the south gate of the temple.

The nine statues of Amida Nyorai in Joruriji Temple represent the nine stages of the Buddhist path to enlightenment. Each statue is an individual work of art and together they create a stunning tableau. The statues are made of gilded wood and are adorned with elaborate robes and jewelry. They are fine examples of Heian Buddhist art and revered objects of worship for Pure Land Buddhists.

The temple grounds offer a peaceful environment to escape the busy city life of Kyoto. The gardens are breath-taking, full of life, yet calm and peaceful. You can reach the temple from Kyoto in 45 minutes by automobile or in two hours by public transportation.

The statue of Fudo Myoo, housed in Toji Temple in Kyoto, is carved from a single block of wood and is adorned with gold leaf and ornate clothing. The statue's fierce expression and muscular physique are meant to convey Fudo Myoo's power and protectiveness. Fudo Myoo is an important figure in Esoteric Buddhism that emphasizes the use of rituals and symbols to achieve enlightenment. Fudo Myoo is also seen as the protector of the Dharma, the teachings of Buddha.

The temple grounds are surrounded by lovely gardens and traditional wooden buildings, creating a tranquil setting for reflection. Toji Temple is just a short walk from Toji station and is served by public transportation.