Discover the Ushiku Daibutsu, the World’s Tallest Bronze Buddha Statue, and Enjoy Delicious Food and Shopping in a Day Trip

The Ushiku Daibutsu in Ibaraki Prefecture is the tallest bronze statue of the Buddha worldwide. Standing 120 meters tall, this statue has a temple inside offering visitors a place of worship. Temple-goers can enjoy not only attractions of the statue, but also seasonal flowers in the surrounding garden and a small petting zoo opened on Sundays and holidays.

A winery designated as a Japan Heritage, where visitors can dine, is located nearby. There is also an outlet mall in the area. The following is a recommended route for a day trip from Tokyo to enjoy the Daibutsu and its surroundings.

1day

Tokyo Station

(Train) 1 hour

Ushiku Station

(Walk) 6 minutes

Ushiku Chateau

The winery was established in 1903, and the buildings were designed in a mixture of European and Japanese architectural styles. Ushiku Chateau is a pioneer of Japanese wineries. It is listed as a cultural heritage by the Japanese government.

Visitors can dine at the restaurant, renovated from a brick-clad wine cellar built over 100 years ago. They can also browse the souvenir shop, which handles various wines and confections. The memorial hall displays historical material, such as wooden wine barrels, bottles, posters, and photographs, from the winery's early days. A garden furnished with a fountain, flower garden, and trees is also located on the grounds. Visitors can stroll around or enjoy a barbecue.

(Walk) 6 minutes

Ushiku Station

(Bus) 35 minutes

Ushiku Daibutsu Buddha Statue

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.

(Taxi) 5 minutes / (On foot) 25 minutes

Ami Premium Outlets

This outlet mall opened in 2009 and houses exceptional brands from Japan and overseas. There are over 100 shops, so it's guaranteed you'll find something for everyone!
There are also a variety of coffee shops and restaurants to keep you charged while shopping.
The outlet is just a few minutes from the giant Buddha statue known as Ushiku Daibutsu.

(Bus) 25 minutes

Arakawaoki Station

(Train) 70 minutes

Tokyo Station

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Explore Kasama City by Bike (daytrip from Tokyo/Ueno)

If you're looking to get out of the city and explore during your trip to Japan, look no further than this daytrip to Kasama, Ibaraki, just an hour and a half from Tokyo by train! After arriving, borrow bikes from the Tourist Information Office at the station and start exploring!
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There are many spots related to the Tokugawa shogunate family, who led the Japanese government during the Edo period (1603 - 1868) in Mito. The Tokugawa Gosanke, three branches that were allowed to carry the Tokugawa family name, existed during this time and held status that ranked next to the shogunate family. The Mito Tokugawa family, the lords of the Mito Domain (present-day central and north Ibaraki Prefecture), was one of those families. The Mito Tokugawa family emphasized education in Japanese history and the sciences with their retainers, which became famously known as Mitogaku.

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2-Day Trip to Hitachi Seaside Park: Visit Nearby Destinations

Hitachi Seaside Park, located in the city of Hitachinaka, is a breathtaking spot with nemophila flowers in the spring, and kochia bushes, refreshingly green in summer and scarlet in autumn. This itinerary introduces nearby sightseeing spots and an accommodation to enjoy alongside the park.

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