Top 15 Gigantic Monuments in Japan — From Buddhas to Bots, It’s All About Height
“Height = Faith.” “Height = Admiration.” “Height = National Strategy.”
Japan may be a small island nation, but across its landscape stand towering giants — from solemn Buddhas to pop-culture robots.
So here at RAW JAPAN, we present:
“A True Battle of Heights: Top 15 Gigantic Monuments in Japan — From Buddhas to Bots”
All selected monuments are over 10 meters tall including their pedestals and are permanently installed and viewable as of June 2025.
Whether it’s religion, pop culture, or modern art — come experience the thrill of sheer scale across genres.
🥇 1st: Ushiku Daibutsu (Ibaraki)｜Total Height: 120m
Certified by Guinness as the world’s tallest bronze Buddha statue, this “Skyscraper Buddha” towers at 120m — three times taller than the Statue of Liberty.
Inside its five-story body, visitors can experience sutra-copying rooms, the radiant “Lotus World,” and even a Buddha relic chamber.
Take an elevator to the 85m-high observatory for views of Mt. Fuji on clear days.
Surrounding attractions include a Pure Land-style garden, lotus pond, and a petting zoo — making it perfect for families. Nighttime illuminations offer a magical photo op.
🥈 2nd: Sendai Daikannon (Miyagi)｜Total Height: 100m
Located in Sendai’s Izumi Ward, this striking white “Goddess of Mercy” towers over the skyline and can be seen from afar.
Inside, the 12-story structure features an elevator and spiral stairs, leading through halls lined with 108 Buddhist statues.
The top floor offers sweeping views of Sendai and the Pacific Ocean.
With souvenir shops and temple services, you can enjoy both sightseeing and spiritual reflection.
🥉3rd: Kaga Kannon (Ishikawa)｜Total Height: 93m
Standing halfway up Mt. Dainichi in Kaga, this 93m Kannon statue (73m body + 20m base) is a colossal presence in the forest.
Inside, Buddhist art displays provide a tranquil space for contemplation.
Though access requires a car, the sudden appearance of the statue on a mountain road often leaves visitors in awe.
It is also a local site of prayer for safe childbirth and traffic safety.
4th: Hokkaido Daikannon (Ashibetsu, Hokkaido)｜Total Height: 88m
Rising within the theme park “Kita no Miyako Ashibetsu,” this 88m figure was once dubbed the tallest in the world.
Its 20 floors offer panoramic views of Hokkaido’s wilderness.
Although the park is now mostly abandoned and the statue is aging, its imposing form remains photogenic — especially with snow in winter.
5th: Kyūsei Jibo Daikannon (Iizuka, Fukuoka)｜Total Height: 62m
Built in 1993 at the Naritasan Kurume branch temple, this 62m white statue exudes motherly compassion.
Visitors can enter and climb spiral stairs while admiring Buddhist art and views of the surrounding landscape.
The forehead is adorned with 18 diamonds on a pure gold plate, and the chest is decorated with 56 jade pieces surrounding a 2000-carat crystal.
A peaceful yet majestic symbol of protection and healing.
6th: Aizu Jibo Daikannon (Fukushima)｜Total Height: 57m
This all-white statue in Aizuwakamatsu depicts a motherly Kannon cradling a child.
Inside, you’ll find a meditative path lined with miniature statues.
With beautiful seasonal contrasts — from fall leaves to winter snow — this peaceful figure blends serenity with scenic beauty.
7th: Tokyo Bay Kannon (Chiba)｜Total Height: 56m
Overlooking Tokyo Bay from a hill in Futtsu, this Kannon statue was built post-WWII as a symbol of peace and remembrance.
Climb its 324-step spiral staircase to view the bay, Tokyo Skytree, and Mt. Fuji.
Its interior walls are engraved with the names of the war dead, offering both reflection and panoramic beauty.
8th: Usami Daikannon (Shizuoka)｜Total Height: 50m
Located on a hillside in Itō City, this relatively new statue offers ocean views over Sagami Bay.
Though not a major tourist site, it’s a beloved local landmark and ideal for a quiet spiritual visit.
Accessible by car — perfect for a coastal drive.
9th: Shodoshima Daikannon (Kagawa)｜Total Height: 50m
Nicknamed “The World’s Most Beautiful Kannon,” this 50m statue on Shodoshima island lets you climb through its interior.
You can experience sutra-copying, walk a pilgrim path, and reach an observatory with ocean and olive field views — a stunning addition to any island getaway.
10th: Biwako Daibutsu (Shiga)｜Total Height: 28m
This serene 28m Buddha in Nagahama near Lake Biwa is a quiet spiritual site with minimal crowds.
Perfect for reflection, it also features nearby mini pilgrimage paths and additional statues for a peaceful stroll.
11th: RX-93 ν Gundam (Fukuoka)｜Total Height: 24.8m
Standing outside Lalaport Fukuoka, this full-scale replica of Amuro Ray’s mobile suit from Char’s Counterattack was unveiled in 2022 and remains a top draw.
Its iconic long-range fin funnel and light shows make it a new icon of the city — even for non-fans.
12th: Statue of Liberty Replica (Odaiba, Tokyo)｜Total Height: 20.8m
Installed in 1998 and loaned by the French government, this Odaiba replica offers Insta-worthy views of the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Bay.
Popular with couples and tourists alike, especially at night with city lights.
13th: Unicorn Gundam (Odaiba, Tokyo)｜Total Height: 19.7m
Unveiled in 2017, this full-scale statue at DiverCity replaced the original RX-78 Gundam.
It features dramatic LED transformations into “Destroy Mode” at night, with motion effects and projection mapping.
A pilgrimage site for Gundam fans.
14th: Shurakuen Daibutsu (Aichi)｜Total Height: 18.79m
Nestled in the peaceful Shurakuen Garden of Toyoake City, this Buddha isn’t widely known but draws quiet admiration.
Backed by forests and blue skies, it’s a soothing destination for personal reflection.
15th: Hotei Daibutsu (Aichi)｜Total Height: 18m
This smiling 18m bronze Buddha in Konan City is beloved by locals as a gentle protector. While not a tourist hotspot, it’s a perfect place for peaceful contemplation.
Fun fact: the nearby railroad crossing flashes red lights right at eye level — making it look like the Buddha is wearing sunglasses.
RAW JAPAN Comment
When ranked by height, Buddhas and Kannon statues dominate the list — and rightfully so.
But Gundams cutting into the top ranks? That’s pure modern Japan — a mix of reverence, pop culture, and delightful absurdity.
Whether you're standing quietly inside a towering Buddha or getting hyped in front of a giant mech, it’s all part of the same Japanese “height experience.”
Why not start your next trip by visiting something huge?
Bonus Round: Legends That Are Gone (but Not Forgotten)
Our ranking only includes permanent, currently viewable monuments.
Here are two epic giants that sadly didn’t make the cut — but still live on in memory.
World Peace Kannon (Awaji Island, Hyogo)｜Total Height: 100m
This awe-inspiring statue, once called “Japan’s Sagrada Familia,” stood abandoned for years before being dismantled in 2023 due to safety concerns.
Original Full-Scale Gundam (Yokohama)｜Total Height: 18m
Debuted in 2009 and later moved to Shizuoka and Odaiba, this original full-size Gundam is now gone — but lives on in successor statues.
Update: As of 2025, it has been reassembled at the Osaka Expo with a new pose: