Are you looking for places to visit in Tokyo? Consider visiting Tokyo’s Great Buddha (Daibutsu) at Jorenji Temple.
I didn’t even know there was a Great Daibutsu in Tokyo. I’ve seen Great Buddhas in Fukuoka, Kamakura, and Nara, but I never thought to check if there was one in the largest city in Japan.
The Great Buddha of Tokyo is located an hour by train and bus from Shibuya at the Jorenji Temple.
The surrounding area is a stark contrast to Shibuya. It’s quieter and slower-paced, with community gardens and lots of small parks.
It’s a beautiful area to walk around if you want to get a glimpse of everyday life in Tokyo.
You can see what the area is like in my Tokyo Daibutsu vlog.
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The Great Buddha of Tokyo
The Tokyo Daibutsu, otherwise known as the Great Buddha of Tokyo, was constructed in 1977, making it relatively modern compared to other Great Buddhas in Japan.
It’s the third largest bronze Buddha in Japan and is a little smaller than the one in Kamakura.
The statue was built as part of the Jorenji Temple revival effort and commissioned by the head priest at the time. He wanted it to symbolize peace and protection for Tokyo and its residents.
History of Jorenji Temple
The Jorenji Temple has an over 600-year history. It was originally located in Saitama but moved to its current location early in the Edo period.
The early shoguns of the Tokugawa family were known for their patronage of temples and shrines.
You can see the connection to the shogunate through the prominence of the Tokugawa triple hollyhock crest on the grounds.
Why it’s worth visiting the Great Buddha of Tokyo
The temple grounds are tranquil and feature beautiful gardens, which allow visitors to experience the statue in a more serene and intimate setting.
The calm expression of the Buddha is designed to inspire meditation and reflection.
While not as centrally located as other tourist attractions in Tokyo, the Tokyo Daibutsu offers a unique glimpse into Japan’s spiritual traditions and everyday life.
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