Ushiku Daibutsu and Ushiku Chateau: prayer and wine, side by side
A 120-meter bronze Buddha statue and a winery with the air of the Meiji era. In Ushiku City, two landmarks with almost nothing in common sit closer than you'd expect.
Ushiku City's best-known symbol is the enormous Ushiku Daibutsu, visible from far away. But the city holds a second landmark of an entirely different character: Ushiku Chateau, a Western-style winery built in the Meiji era.
One was built as a space for prayer, the other as a symbol of industrial ambition. Different eras and different purposes, yet both landmarks are rooted in the same city.
Ushiku Daibutsu: one of the world's largest bronze statues
120 meters total height, a Guinness World RecordUshiku Daibutsu
Ushiku Daibutsu stands 100 meters tall with a 20-meter pedestal, for a total of 120 meters, making it one of the largest bronze standing statues in the world — a distinction recognized by Guinness World Records in 1995. The figure of 120 meters is said to reference the twelve rays of light that Amida Buddha emits to illuminate all things. The surface is finished from over 6,000 welded bronze plates, and the head alone carries roughly 480 raised curls, or rahotsu. Planning began in 1983, construction started in 1986, and the statue was completed in 1993.
Source:Ushiku Daibutsu Overview - Ushiku DaibutsuThe Origin of Ushiku Daibutsu's 120-Meter Height - THE GATE
Inside the statue: a five-level space for prayer
An observation window at 85 meters, across five floors
The interior of Ushiku Daibutsu is arranged across five levels: the first floor, 'World of Light'; the second, 'World of Gratitude and Virtue'; the third, 'Womb World Lotus Repository'; and the fourth and fifth, the 'Vulture Peak Hall' and observation deck. On the first floor, a single beam of light cuts through darkness meant to represent human worldly desires. At roughly 85 meters up — about chest height on the statue — an observation window offers views that can stretch to Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Skytree on a clear day. The site is run by the Otani-ha branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism and shares its grounds with a memorial park cemetery.
Source:Guide to Touring the Interior of Ushiku Daibutsu - Lotus CardUshiku Daibutsu - Wikipedia
Ushiku Chateau: Japan's first full-scale winery
Completed in 1903 by Kamiya Denbei
Ushiku Chateau began as the Ushiku Winery, built by Kamiya Denbei, an entrepreneur from Aichi Prefecture famous for selling 'Denki Bran' liquor in Asakusa, Tokyo. Construction started in 1901 and finished in September 1903, making it Japan's first full-scale winery. Built using French grape varieties and Bordeaux winemaking methods, the Western-style buildings were designed by architect Okada Jitaro, and at its peak the vineyard covered roughly 160 hectares. Three of the original structures — the former office, fermentation room, and storage cellar — were designated Important Cultural Properties in 2008, and in 2020 the site was recognized as part of a Japan Heritage story tracing the history of Japanese wine.
Source:The Legacy of Kamiya Denbei - Ushiku Chateau official siteUshiku Chateau - Wikipedia
Nearby Ushiku Marsh: home to a painter of kappa folklore
Ogawa Usen and the kappa legend
A short drive from the Daibutsu and the Chateau lies Ushiku Marsh, where painter Ogawa Usen (1868-1938) farmed the land and produced so many paintings of kappa water sprites that he became known as 'Usen of the kappa.' His home and studio, Ungyotei, still stand today, and nearby you'll find a kappa monument and 'Kappa Pine,' named for a legend about a kappa once tied to the tree. It's arguably Ushiku's third face, alongside the Daibutsu's prayer and the Chateau's industry.
FAQ
Is Ushiku Daibutsu the tallest standing statue in the world?
Not quite — measured purely by height, it ranks around sixth among the world's standing statues. Its Guinness record is specifically for the largest bronze Buddha statue, a narrower category, and whether the pedestal counts toward the height also affects how it's ranked.
Does Ushiku Chateau still grow grapes on-site?
The vineyard is far smaller today than its peak of roughly 160 hectares. The site now operates mainly as a winery, museum, restaurant, and shop, though winemaking itself continues with grapes sourced through different arrangements.
Sources & references
- Ushiku Daibutsu Overview - Ushiku Daibutsu
- The Origin of Ushiku Daibutsu's 120-Meter Height - THE GATE
- Guide to Touring the Interior of Ushiku Daibutsu - Lotus Card
- Ushiku Daibutsu - Wikipedia
- The Legacy of Kamiya Denbei - Ushiku Chateau official site
- Ushiku Chateau - Wikipedia
- Ogawa Usen and Ungyotei - City of Ushiku