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Echizen Daibutsu

Temple

Prefecture

Fukui

Type

Temple

N/A

0 reviews

¥500

Entry Fee

Train Access Cafe

About This Destination

Japan's tallest seated Buddha statue (17m) inside a massive five-story pagoda temple complex, rivaling Nara's Daibutsu in scale.

Echizen Daibutsu at Daishiyama Seidaiji Temple houses Japan's tallest seated Buddha statue at 17 meters, surpassing even Nara's famous Daibutsu. The temple complex was built in 1987 by a local businessman and features a striking five-story pagoda, 1,281 small Buddha statues lining the corridors, and a massive main hall. Despite its relatively recent construction, the temple's sheer scale and the serene atmosphere of its mountain setting make it a remarkable sight. The complex is often uncrowded, offering a peaceful alternative to Japan's more famous Buddhist sites. The surrounding area in Katsuyama is also home to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.

Location

Prefecture: Fukui

Address: Katsuyama, Fukui, Japan

Nearest Station: Katsuyama

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Visitor Information

Credit Cards: Unknown

Food Options: Small cafe on premises; nearby Katsuyama has local soba restaurants and the Dinosaur Museum area has family dining

Official Website

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Echizen Daibutsu?

From JR Katsuyama Station take a community bus or taxi (about 10 minutes, ~1,500 yen by taxi). Driving from the Hokuriku Expressway Fukui-Kita IC takes around 30 minutes via Route 416. The temple has a large free parking lot on-site.

When is the best time to visit Echizen Daibutsu?

Spring (April–early May) for cherry blossoms around the five-story pagoda, or autumn (mid-October to mid-November) for fall colors in the surrounding hills. The complex is rarely crowded any time of year. Mornings give the best light on the main hall; winter visits are possible but expect heavy snow in Katsuyama.

What's the entry fee for Echizen Daibutsu?

Adult admission is 500 yen, which includes the main hall with the 17-meter Buddha, the five-story pagoda, and the temple gardens. Tickets are sold on-site and payment is cash only — credit cards are not accepted.

What else is worth seeing near Echizen Daibutsu?

The Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum — Japan's largest dinosaur museum, with 50+ full skeleton mounts and a working fossil-prep lab visible to visitors — is about 15 minutes by car from the temple, making it easy to combine both into a single day trip. Katsuyama town center has soba restaurants serving local Echizen-style buckwheat noodles, and there is a small cafe inside the temple complex for light meals.

Nearby Destinations

🏛️

Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum 3.3km

🛕 Other Temple in Fukui

Eiheiji Temple

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