ABOUT
About this spot
Echizen Daibutsu (Seidai-ji Temple) in Katsuyama City, Fukui Prefecture, is a little-known landmark with an overwhelming scale. The principal image, the Echizen Daibutsu, stands 17 meters high, taller than the Great Buddha of Nara, and its solemn figure is awe-inspiring. The biggest attraction is the 1,281 small Buddha statues neatly lined along the walls surrounding the Great Buddha. The space created by countless golden-shining statues has a mysterious atmosphere as if you have wandered into another world, and in recent years it has become very popular as a "photogenic spot." The grounds also have a five-story pagoda, among the tallest in Japan at 75 m, and from its top floor, reached by elevator, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Katsuyama's cityscape. The spacious grounds are wrapped in quiet, perfect for calming yourself on your own or for a weekend drive to enjoy extraordinary views with family and friends. The hidden-gem feeling of not being too crowded, and being able to stroll at your own pace, is another attraction.
Last updated March 27, 2026