Okuetsu

Echizen Great Buddha

One of Japan’s Largest Buddha Statue, Given as a Gift

Seidaiji Temple is home to the Echizen Great Buddha, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in Japan. This 17-meter-tall statue was based on the seated Buddha statue in the Longmen Grottoes of Luoyang, China. In addition to the Great Buddha, there are nearly 1,300 other statues here, both large and small.

Since 2002, Seidaiji has served as a Rinzai Zen temple. Some of the structures here are based on ancient Chinese designs, including the Wall of Nine Dragons, and a five-tiered pagoda—the tallest of its kind in Japan—with an elevator to offer visitors a view of the area from the top floor.

The temple and statues were funded by a local businessman who earned a fortune through his business efforts.