Ueno Daibutsu, Tokyo
Once part of a colossal (approximately 6 meters in height) bronze statue of seated Shaka (or Shakyamuni) Nyorai, Ueno Daibutsu is only its face that remains. Perched on the hill of Mount Daibutsu, adjacent to Ueno Seiyōken, the iconic image is surrounded by a pagoda-style prayer tower dedicated to Yakushi Buddha and a shrine.
The history of Ueno Daibutsu is marked by numerous disasters. Originally erected in 1631 (during the early Edo period), it sustained multiple damage and subsequently underwent restorations after the 1640 earthquake, a fire in 1841, and then another earthquake in 1855.
The statue maintained its integrity until a disaster struck again during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, causing its head to topple. Sadly, in the aftermath of the earthquake, a significant portion of the statue was melted down for reuse during World War II as metal donations became necessary. The head and torso, saved after the quake, were stored at Kanei-ji Temple in Ueno with the hope of future reconstruction.
In 1972, the face was put on display at its original location. Since the early 2000s, students preparing for exams have been coming here to pray in front of the face, which they say brings success. Consequently, it has earned the nickname "Great Buddha of Success" Additionally, it is also affectionately referred to as the "Qualified Buddha" because the relief on its face is "non-falling," a homonym with the Japanese word "non-failing," signifying the hope of passing exams.
The history of Ueno Daibutsu is marked by numerous disasters. Originally erected in 1631 (during the early Edo period), it sustained multiple damage and subsequently underwent restorations after the 1640 earthquake, a fire in 1841, and then another earthquake in 1855.
The statue maintained its integrity until a disaster struck again during the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, causing its head to topple. Sadly, in the aftermath of the earthquake, a significant portion of the statue was melted down for reuse during World War II as metal donations became necessary. The head and torso, saved after the quake, were stored at Kanei-ji Temple in Ueno with the hope of future reconstruction.
In 1972, the face was put on display at its original location. Since the early 2000s, students preparing for exams have been coming here to pray in front of the face, which they say brings success. Consequently, it has earned the nickname "Great Buddha of Success" Additionally, it is also affectionately referred to as the "Qualified Buddha" because the relief on its face is "non-falling," a homonym with the Japanese word "non-failing," signifying the hope of passing exams.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Tokyo. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Ueno Daibutsu on Map
Sight Name: Ueno Daibutsu
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tokyo, Japan (See walking tours in Tokyo)
Sight Type: Statue/Public Art
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Tokyo, Japan
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Creating your own self-guided walk in Tokyo is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
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Ueno Park Walking Tour
Ueno Park, found next to the Ueno subway station in Tokyo, is a sprawling urban oasis. Home to more than 1,000 cherry trees, each year during the cherry blossom season (between late March and early April) it becomes a site of pilgrimage equally popular with locals and tourists.
One of the prominent landmarks within the park is the Saigo Takamori Statue, which pays tribute to the legendary... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
Shinjuku Walking Tour
Known as the best entertainment district in Tokyo, Shinjuku abounds in venues where visitors can play, eat, and shop to their hearts' content all day long. Besides the endless list of fun, shopping, and dining options available, the district also offers some truly amazing sightseeing opportunities which are often underrated.
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
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Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Ginza Shopping Tour
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
Yanaka Walking Tour
A bit away from Downtown Tokyo, Yanaka is a hidden spot with a lot to offer. This neighborhood is known for its narrow alleys, traditional wooden houses, izakaya pubs, and old-style shops. Having largely escaped the damage of World War II, Yanaka exudes the last-century charm of Tokyo's old town ambiance.
With a high concentration of ancient places of worship in the district, the air here... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.6 Km or 1 Miles
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