Takaoka Daibutsu

Takaoka Daibutsu (高岡大仏, Takaoka Daibutsu) is one of Japan’s three most iconic Great Buddha statues, alongside those in Nara and Kamakura. Towering at 15.85 meters and weighing 65 tons, this impressive bronze figure was completed in 1933 using the city's renowned metal casting skills. Visitors can even step inside the base to see the preserved wooden head of the original statue, which amazingly survived a major fire.

The first version of the statue, made of wood, was built in 1745 but was repeatedly damaged by fires. To prevent further loss, local craftsmen used bronze—Takaoka's specialty material—to rebuild it over a span of 30 years. The result is a masterpiece that not only reflects spiritual importance but also the pride of local craftsmanship.