Showa Daibutsu Buddha — Local services in Aomori

Tucked into a corner of East Aomori, away from the city, this Buddhist Temple is a must visit. Featuring the largest Seating Buddha in Japan, she truly is a sight to behold. There is no wait at the entrance, after a small entrance fee, there are all sorts of sourvenirs and Buddhist talismans you can buy at the entrance. You can also get a blessing stamp at the same entrance shop. En route to the Big Buddha, there is a temple you can pray for good health. At the Big Buddha, you can offer candles or incense at 100 yen each. Fret not if you do not have change, there is a coin changing machine here. On your way down, there are many gods and deities of Chinese and Japanese faiths. If you are tired, there is also a Soba and sweets shop to rest and feed. I came to Aomori for Nebuta festival, thus it's right smack in the height of summer. Yet it is chill and cooling here on the of my visit. You might wish to dress accordingly. Although in the miste of a pine forest, I did not felt humid nor disturbed by any insect. Perhaps cos I am a faithful pilgrim. I felt totally at peace here, totally Zen. If you do visit, please observe courtesy as Buddhists do pray here, and there is a local cemetery on the grounds. That said, I hope you can find inner peace here as I did.

From the Aomori City station you can take J20 bus and conveniently disembark on its doorstep. Though you might want to plan your return thoroughly...

The Showa Daibutsu Buddha is the centerpiece of the greater temple complex of which it is a part of. Finished in 1984, the Buddha is one of several of it's size in Japan, and is a hollow iron structure. The base of the Buddha is filled with images from Buddhist text, leading to an internal stairway that enters the interior of the iron sculpture housing a memorial. Every August, there is a ceremony held for Obon, featuring many lighted candles meant to be a guiding light for departed loved ones. Many families who have experienced a loss will go to shrines during Obon, to pray for their loved ones, and the Showa Daibutsu Buddha draws many visitors during this time. I am grateful that I was able to see it twice, as it was beautiful to behold and deeply meaningful. In my opinion, it is one of the best spiritual sites to visit in Aomori prefecture, though perhaps overshadowed...

I visited Japan last year (April to May 2015). This was one of my last places to visit and my first Buddha shrine to visit. There is a decent walk from the parking lot to the Buddha and many things to see along the way.

There is a small path to follow inside the base of the statue which gives you historical information as well as shows off other artifacts.

From my recollection there was no cost to enter but I am certain donations are accepted. There was something similar to a gift shop inside the statue as well. Look for the side with the shoe rack so you don't enter on the wrong side like I did.

Coming during the spring season was fantastic and from the photos you can see the condition of the foliage around it. This is one of the largest in the world I was told and you should stop by if you can....