Amazing AOMORI

This statue located at Seiryuji Temple and constructed in 1984 is the largest seated bronze Buddha statue in Japan. The temple grounds contain beautiful structures such as a five-story pagoda built from natural Aomori cypress wood in 1996, which is the fourth tallest in Japan, as well as a main hall constructed entirely from cypress and a red-lacquered hall enshrining a statue of the monk Kukai (the Aomori branch temple of Mount Koya in Wakayama). The main hall houses Buddhist treasures such as the epic painting “Descent of Amida and the Heavenly Multitude” and the statue “Amitabha Looking Back,” which are not to be missed. Visitors can also try shojin-ryori vegetarian Buddhist cuisine (reservation required). More detailed information is available at the temple office.

Overview of Great Showa Buddha

Buddha Depicted: Mahavairocana Buddha

Material: Bronze (copper, tin, zinc, etc.)

Total Mass: 220 tons

Height: 21 meters and 35 centimeters (Buddha only); 27 meters including the base

Width: Approx. 15 meters

Five-Story Pagoda

Built from all-natural Aomori cypress

Height: 39 meters (fourth tallest in Japan after Toji in Kyoto, Kofukuji in Nara, and Zentsuji in Kagawa)

Design/Construction: Omuro Katsushiro (native of Aomori City)