Gifu Great Buddha Shōhō-ji
Discover the awe-inspiring Gifu Great Buddha, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddhas, housed in a serene temple complex.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Gifu Great Buddha Shōhō-ji
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the awe-inspiring Gifu Great Buddha, one of Japan's largest bronze Buddhas, housed in a serene temple complex.
"A 'good vibe' and 'fantastic history' make this immense Buddha hall a must-see."
🎯 Small Entrance Fee, Big Impact
For just 200 yen, you get access to an impressive Buddha and unique art. A great value for a memorable experience.
🚶♂️ Walk Around for Best Views
Don't just see it from the front! Explore all angles to truly appreciate the scale and detail of the Gifu Great Buddha.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gifu Great Buddha
Main Hall
An immense 13.7m tall Buddha statue, crafted from bamboo, clay, and scriptures. A truly awe-inspiring sight.
Demon Artwork
Temple Grounds
Intriguing and sometimes fierce artwork depicting demons, offering a unique contrast to the serene Buddha.
Peaceful Temple Grounds
Shōhō-ji Temple
A tranquil space offering a sense of peace and reflection, away from the usual tourist hustle.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Experience
Understand the Buddha's Unique History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Small Entrance Fee, Big Impact
For just 200 yen, you get access to an impressive Buddha and unique art. A great value for a memorable experience.
🚶♂️ Walk Around for Best Views
Don't just see it from the front! Explore all angles to truly appreciate the scale and detail of the Gifu Great Buddha.
😌 Embrace the Serenity
Take a moment to sit and absorb the peaceful energy within the Buddha hall. It's a truly calming experience.
🧐 Discover Hidden Details
Look closely for the 'snails' on the Buddha's head – they symbolize compassion and protection from the elements.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Small Entrance Fee, Big Impact
For just 200 yen, you get access to an impressive Buddha and unique art. A great value for a memorable experience.
🚶♂️ Walk Around for Best Views
Don't just see it from the front! Explore all angles to truly appreciate the scale and detail of the Gifu Great Buddha.
😌 Embrace the Serenity
Take a moment to sit and absorb the peaceful energy within the Buddha hall. It's a truly calming experience.
🧐 Discover Hidden Details
Look closely for the 'snails' on the Buddha's head – they symbolize compassion and protection from the elements.
☕ Nearby Cafe Option
Conveniently located opposite a Komeda's cafe, perfect for a post-temple coffee or snack.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and peaceful aura of the Gifu Great Buddha. The low admission fee and unique construction details are frequently highlighted as positives, offering a serene and historically rich experience.
"Fantastic. What a goodbump vibe in this Buddha hall. You really feel the energy. We loved to take a seat and just let it shine. Fantastic history about the special built. Walk around and have a look from all angles.
For more special place check our IG:
thetravellinguncles"
Marcel Cybon
"A bit of a small venue but the Buddha inside is huge. Even bigger that the one we saw in Kamakura."
Julio Revka
"Shōhō-ji Temple (正法寺), also known as Kinpōzan Shōhō-ji, is a renowned for housing the Gifu Great Buddha (岐阜大仏, Gifu Daibutsu), one of Japan's three great Buddha statues, alongside those in Nara and Kamakura.
Established in 1638, Shōhō-ji Temple joined the Ōbaku school in 1692. In 1790, the 11th head priest, Ichū, initiated the construction of the Great Buddha to protect people from natural disasters. Although Ichū passed away in 1815, his successor, Kohshū, completed the statue in 1832 after 38 years of construction .
The Gifu Great Buddha stands at 13.7 meters tall and is notable for its unique construction method. A central pillar made from ginkgo wood supports a framework of bamboo and clay, which was then covered with Buddhist scriptures, lacquered, and gilded with gold leaf.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily. Admission Fees: Adults: 200 yen."
Anna Krzak
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Gifu Great Buddha is located at Shōhō-ji Temple. It's a short 5-minute walk from the entrance of Gifu Castle, making it easy to combine visits. Public transport options are available within Gifu city.
Yes, there is free parking available at the temple, which is a convenient option if you are traveling by car.
While specific bus routes can vary, Gifu city has a public transport network. It's best to check local Gifu bus schedules for the most direct routes to Shōhō-ji Temple.
From Gifu Station, you can take a bus or taxi to reach the vicinity of Gifu Castle and the temple. The walk from the station area to the temple is manageable, or you can use local transport.
Absolutely! It's very close to Gifu Castle, making it an ideal pairing for a half-day exploration of Gifu's historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Shōhō-ji Temple, housing the Gifu Great Buddha, is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
The admission fee is very affordable at 200 yen for adults. This small fee grants you access to the impressive Buddha statue and the temple grounds.
No, advance booking is generally not required for the Gifu Great Buddha. You can purchase your admission ticket upon arrival at the temple.
Information on specific discounts for students or seniors is not widely advertised, but the standard admission fee is already very low, making it accessible for most visitors.
The temple is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It's always a good idea to check for any unexpected closures, though it's typically open year-round.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Gifu Great Buddha is uniquely constructed with a central ginkgo wood pillar, a framework of bamboo and clay, then covered with Buddhist scriptures, lacquered, and gilded with gold leaf.
The impressive statue stands at 13.7 meters tall, making it one of Japan's significant large Buddha statues.
It was built to protect people from natural disasters and took 38 years to complete, showcasing immense dedication.
Yes, besides the Great Buddha, the temple grounds feature interesting artwork, including depictions of demons, and offer a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
While it's not as crowded as the major Buddhas in Nara or Kamakura, it can get busier during peak times. Visiting on weekdays or early/late in the day can offer a more serene experience.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally permitted within the temple grounds and of the Great Buddha statue itself. Capture its grandeur from various angles.
Try capturing the Buddha from the front to show its scale, and also explore the sides and back for different perspectives. The surrounding temple architecture also offers great photo opportunities.
The lighting inside the hall is designed to highlight the Buddha. While it might be dimmer than outdoors, it creates a dramatic and reverent atmosphere for your photos.
While generally allowed, always be respectful of the sacred nature of the site. Avoid using flash photography directly at the statue if it seems disruptive.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for the interior shots. A wide-angle lens can help capture the full scale of the Buddha.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that it's a place of worship, so encourage respectful behavior. The peaceful grounds offer a good space for kids to walk around, and the nearby Komeda's cafe provides a familiar spot for a snack break. The story of the Buddha's construction and the 'snails' can also be a fun detail to share.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine your visit with the nearby Gifu Castle for a full day of exploration without breaking the bank. The availability of free parking is also a bonus if you're traveling by car. The serene atmosphere provides a peaceful experience that money can't buy.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Construction of the Gifu Great Buddha
The statue's unique construction method involves a central pillar made of ginkgo wood, around which a framework of bamboo and clay was meticulously built. This core structure was then covered with Buddhist scriptures, a process that not only added to its form but also imbued it with spiritual significance. Finally, the entire statue was lacquered and gilded with gold leaf, giving it its radiant appearance.
This method, while labor-intensive, allowed for the creation of a colossal statue that stands at an impressive 13.7 meters tall. It's a testament to the craftsmanship and spiritual dedication of the artisans and priests involved, making it a significant cultural and historical artifact.
Exploring Shōhō-ji Temple's Artistic Treasures
The temple complex itself is designed to foster a sense of peace and contemplation. The grounds are well-maintained, offering a tranquil environment for visitors to wander and reflect. The 'snails' on the Buddha's head, a detail many visitors find intriguing, are not merely decorative but symbolize the Buddha's compassion and offer protection from the elements.
For those interested in Japanese Buddhist art and architecture, Shōhō-ji Temple provides a unique glimpse into the traditions and beliefs that shaped its creation. The combination of the monumental Buddha, the detailed demon artwork, and the peaceful ambiance makes for a memorable visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit