Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha Statue

Ushiku City

Southern Ibaraki

Castles/Historical Sites

This giant Buddhist statue towers above the Ibaraki countryside. At 120 meters tall, it holds the Guinness World Record as the tallest standing bronze statue worldwide.
Visitors can go inside the Buddha and take the lift to an observation platform that offers stunning views over the Kanto Plains. The statue also contains a Buddhist Temple, a Buddhist memorial, and an area for practicing Buddhist calligraphy.
During spring, the grounds around the statue are filled with stunning pink cherry blossom trees and moss phlox (a type of blossom covering the ground), making for a breathtaking spectacle.
English-speaking staff and information are available to ensure you get the most out of your visit.

Information

Address: 2083 Kunocho, Ushiku City
Access: By public transport: 30-minute bus ride from Ushiku Station on the JR Joban Line
Business Hours: Business Hours
March to September
Weekdays: 9:30-17:00
Weekends & National Holidays: 9:30-17:30
October to February
9:30-16:30 (Tickets available until 30 minutes before closing)
Website: https://daibutu.net/
Contact: TEL: 029-889-2931
Parking: 800 parking spots
Prices: Adults: 800 yen
Children: 400 yen
Group Prices (15 people or more)
Adults: 700 yen
Children: 350 yen

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Tsukuba City

Southern Ibaraki

Hirasawa Kanga Ruins

The Hirasawa Kanga Ruins were established as a government office over 1,000 years ago, during the Nara (710-794) and Heian (794-1185) periods. They are designated as a national historic site.
Hirasawa is the name of the area where the ruins are located, while Kanga refers to a government office. It is believed that taxation rice was stored here.

Roughly 60 building ruins, along with traces of moats, fences, and more, have been identified as dating back to the Nara and Heian periods through archaeological excavation. Three of its buildings, each with different architectural structures, have been restored to give visitors a look into what ancient architecture was like.

Due to being near Ring Ring Road, it's a recommended place to stop by while cycling.

Castles/Historical Sites

Tsukuba City

Southern Ibaraki

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) opened in 2003. In addition to the research, development, and launching of satellites, JAXA is responsible for Japan's space exploration missions, including asteroid explorations.
Tsukuba City is home to JAXA's Tsukuba Space Center. This facility is at the heart of space research and exploration in Japan. It is also responsible for research and development on satellites, rockets, and tracking and controlling satellites in operation. Astronaut training and communication with the International Space Station (ISS) even occur here!
Visitors to JAXA can see actual-size models of the H-II Launch Vehicle (an actual flight model) and satellites. Tours of the facility occur five times a day at 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00 (English tours are available with advanced booking). Tours take approximately 75 minutes.

Museums/Zoos/Aquariums

Tsuchiura City

Southern Ibaraki

Kijo Park

The park is a historical symbol of Tsuchiura and was developed from part of the former Tsuchiura Castle. The castle, constructed in the late Muromachi period (1429-1440), was commonly known as "Kijō" ("Turtle Castle") because it resembled a turtle floating in the water. This also carried over to the park, which was named Kijo Park. Castanopsis trees, designated as a natural monument by the prefecture, and a lawn square can be found in the park. You can also see historical heritages that portray the vestiges of the former castle, such as Yagura Gate and Kasumi Gate.

Parks/Nature

Castles/Historical Sites

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