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Seidaiji Temple is home to the Echizen Great Buddha, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in Japan. This 17-meter-tall statue was based on the seated Buddha statue in the Longmen Grottoes of Luoyang, China, where Buddhism was first introduced. In addition to the Great Buddha, there are nearly 1,300 other statues here, both large and small. The three walls on the left, right, and rear sides of the Great Buddha house a total of 1,281 stone and gold Buddhas, and two statues of Arhats (10.3 meters) and Bodhisattvas (11.2 meters) are enshrined on each side of the Great Buddha. 

It is larger than the Great Buddha of Nara (16.2 meters in literature and 14.98 meters in actual measurement). The statue has a 23-meter high halo and a 2-meter high stone pedestal overlapped by a 3-meter high lotus pedestal, bringing the total height to 28 meters. While the Nara Daibutsu is stocky, the Echizen Daibutsu is characterized by its smart and gentle face and neck. It is made of copper, with a total weight of 200 tons.

Since 2002, Seidaiji has served as a Rinzai Zen temple. Some of the structures here are based on ancient Chinese designs, including the Wall of Nine Dragons, and a five-tiered pagoda—the tallest of its kind in Japan—with an elevator to offer visitors a view of the area from the top floor.

The temple and statues were funded by a local businessman who earned a fortune through his business efforts. 

Special Sea of Clouds in 2025

A special time to view the fantastic sea of clouds and the magnificent temple complex.

Start date: From April 26 (Saturday)

Hours: 8:00-9:00 a.m. (morning) / 4:00-5:00 p.m. (evening)

Special sea of clouds viewing fee (includes admission fee): Adults: 1,000 yen Children: 500 yen

Please come and experience the fantastic scenery created by the sea of clouds.

Tour buses (Happy Bus) are available from the east exit of Fukui Station to visit the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and Seidaiji Temple (Echizen Great Buddha)!

For details, find the link below!

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