Shindaiji Temple in Katsuyama City

Gigantic temple established by a local businessman

Takako Sakamoto Jun 11, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Tranquil Kannon statue standing along the path</p>

<p>Gigantic Daibutsu-den Hall (Big Buddha Hall) viewed from the gate</p>

<p>Bronze lantern hanging from the building has the temple name 'Shindai-ji' on it</p>

<p>Many Buddha statues line the path leading toward the main hall</p>

<p>Another Jizo statue adorned with gold garments</p>

<p>Giant Nio statue guarding the temple gate</p>

<p>Another Nio statue guarding the gate...he looks so formidable!</p>

<p>Golden roof ornament and cherry blossoms</p>

<p>Kannon statue standing beside the belfry (Kannon means Goddess of Mercy).</p>

<p>From the temple grounds, Katsuyama Castle can be seen in the distance</p>

<p>Another Buddha statue sitting silently in the woods. There are many Buddha statues on the temple grounds.</p>

On my way back home from a day-trip to Katsuyama City to enjoy carp streamers and cherry blossoms, I stopped by at Shindaiji Temple to see Echizen Daibutsu (Big Buddha Statue) for the first time. The birth of this Japan's biggest Buddha Statue in a sitting position is rather unique. It sits on the premises of Shindaiji Temple, and everything here, including Japan's tallest five-story pagoda made of concrete, was built in 1987 by a successful local businessman Kiyoshi Tada, as his reciprocation toward his hometown.

Despite its scale and gorgeous architectures, due to a short history or the lack of religious background the place is unfortunately unpopular among local people and quite deserted. However, if you love magnificent architecture and beautiful statues, you can appreciate them here to your heart's content!

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Find out more about Echizen Daibutsu.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...