Showa Great Buddha (Seiryuji Temple)

William Mc 7 months ago

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 by Osorezan.

John Morey 9 months ago

Second visit. Definitely worth one visit. Went inside the statue/monument this time (wasn't even aware of that option the first visit). Neices visiting from America came too. It was interesting, but not the wow factor of other places like Hirosaki Castle or 1,000 Torii Gates. I like it, but 3.5 to 4.0 stars when prioitizing.

Tiki Fhe 10 months ago

Very beautiful temple area, please make sure to visit the Great hall and if he is around, have a conversation with Tony-san. He took the time to talk to me and my friend a bit longer and told us more about the temple, the different Buddhas and explained to us the correct way to pray and pay our respects to the Buddha in the main hall. It was a beautiful experience. Please make sure to visit the exhibition at the bottom of the big Buddha as well, it provides valuable inside into the nature of Buddhism.

Duangporn Phulsuksombati 11 months ago

This is unique and tranquil place to make a merit surrounded with Japanese style garden. It’s worth to visit and spend at least 1 hr to sit down in the main hall and meditate.

Patrick Picotin a year ago

Showa Great Buddha I drove from my residence in Misawa to Aomori Japan today. Went to many places in Aomori city and Aomori prefecture. Went to a peaceful temple complex with 5 story Pagoda, shrines, and giant seated bronze Buddha statue. Seiryu-Ji Buddhist Temple in Aomori Japan. Aomori Showa Daibtsu is the biggest bronze seated Buddha in Japan and is located at Seiryu-Ji in Aomori. You can get inside of the Buddha statue, and there is a war memorial and a Buddha museum. The grounds around Showa Daibtsu have the fourth highest 5-story pagoda in Japan, a well-manicured Japanese garden, and other traditional Japanese buildings.