# Echizen Daibutsu

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

- Prefecture: Fukui
- Type: Temple
- Address: Katsuyama, Fukui, Japan
- Admission: 500 yen
- Official site: https://etizendaibutu.com/

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.

## FAQ

### 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 to 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.

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Source: Echizen Daibutsu — Japan Voyage