Gifu Daibutsu, standing alongside the great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura, is one of the "Three Great Buddhas of Japan." The 11th generation head priest of this temple, Priest Ichu, initiated its construction to protect the populace from repeated disasters. The construction took about 38 years and was completed in 1832.
The Daibutsu uses a large ginkgo tree as its central pillar, with a skeleton constructed from wood and an exterior made of bamboo and clay, over which paper, lacquer foil, and gold leaf were applied to form its shape. This Daibutsu is the largest of its kind made using this method. The seated statue is 13.63 meters tall, with the hall standing at 23.6 meters high, ears measuring 2.12 meters long, and the nose at 0.36 meters high. The Buddha sits slightly inclined forward, gazing upon visitors with a gentle expression, providing a moment of solace.
The Daibutsu hall, a fusion of Chinese and Japanese architectural styles, is also a sight to behold. Unique features include a corridor that allows visitors to circle around the Daibutsu, a form not found in other Daibutsu halls (the corridor is usually not accessible to the public).
Highlights
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Ranked alongside the great Buddhas of Nara and Kamakura as one of Japan's Three Great Buddhas.
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The Daibutsu stands at a height of 13.63 meters, with the Daibutsu hall reaching 23.6 meters.
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The architecture of the Daibutsu hall, blending Chinese and Japanese styles, is also noteworthy.
