Looking for some files on my old computer, I came across a few photographs that I had forgotten all about. And going by the title, you’d be right in guessing they are of a big Buddha. Or in this case, a very big Buddha.
For reasons unknown, I have a bit of a thing for big Buddha’s. Before visiting the one in question, I’d been to see the famous Kamakura Daibutsu, and its slightly larger cousin the Nara Daibutsu
Both the Kamakura and Nara Buddha’s are sitting. So when I heard of another giant Buddha that was actually standing, there was no way I was going to pass up the chance of seeing it. Before you could say meditation, I’d shaved my head, donned my sandals, and set off to meet this mighty Buddha.
Whilst the standing Buddha in Ushiku isn’t that old (it was built during the bubble years), whatever it lacks in history, it makes up for in its sheer size. It clocks in at a whopping 120 metres. That’s pretty damn tall it has to be said. The picture below gives you some idea of how tall it really is.
I must confess that there was something else, bar its size, that prompted my visit. It has a lift inside. Yes, there can’t be many statues of Buddha that can boast a lift. When I was told, I was skeptical to say the least. But this picture taken from inside the Buddha’s chest proves it.
As well as the chance to take some pictures from very high up, the Buddha contains a huge study area, and a memorial floor where ashes can be stored. Whilst somewhat out of the way, it’s quite a novel location for a final resting place. The Japanese aren’t all that religious (despite the prevalence of big Buddha’s!) so you could probably reserve an urn without too many awkward questions. If storing your ashes inside a 120 metre Buddha is your thing of course. And, needless to say, that you could come up with the necessary cash.
