Ushiku Daibutsu was the largest Buddha in the world until 2008, according to the Guinness Book of Records, and a visit to this very spiritual place deserves a place on your list of day trips from Tokyo.

The 120-meter high bronze statue was cast in 1993 to commemorate the birth of Shinran, who founded one of Japan’s most prominent Buddhism sects. When you visit the statue you can take an elevator ride to the top, which is the equivalent of a 35-story building, to admire sweeping views of the surrounding area.

The statue is surrounded by pretty flower gardens and there is a small petting zoo for children to enjoy.

The giant statue is easy to access from Tokyo by fast train and a local bus.

Ushiku Daibutsu, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan

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