Ushiku Daibutsu Great Buddha

The Ushiku Daibutsu (lit. Great Buddha) is a huge Amida Buddha statue in Ibaraki Prefecture. Its height is 120m, including the platform it stands on. It was registered as the world's tallest bronze statue in the Guinness Book of Records in 1995. While the statue looks impressive from the outside, it is also interesting from the inside. There are five floors in total. One presents a light installation. The other floors include various religious spaces and the history of how this Great Buddha was constructed. One of the best features of the inside access is getting access to walk around the platform to get really close view of the outside and see the bright gold leaves people have left on the Buddha over the years. Located at a height of 85m, it also provides a stunning view. On clear days you may be able to see as far as the Tokyo Skytree. If you are traveling around Japan during the summertime, make sure to check the date for the light show and fireworks display which usually takes place mid-August.