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Takasaki Byakue Daikannon
A sacred landmark keeping watch over Takasaki City for generations.
Takasaki Byakue Daikannon, is the stark white, revered statue that stands in grandeur at Jigen-in Temple in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture as a guardian of the city since its construction in 1936.
In full grandeur of 41.8 meters tall and some 6,000 tons in weight, this massive statue has an internal structure with nine floors housing 20 Buddha statues. Step inside and climb the stairs to the statue’s shoulder height to find full panoramas of Takasaki city and distant mountains as their views unfold from the top floor. In 2000, the statue was designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
In spring, the grounds burst in the hue of some 3,000 blooming Somei Yoshino cherry blossoms, offering a fetching backdrop and added mystique. The white Kannon seems to almost float amidst a sea of pink, in a unique and rare site like none other. Visit after dark to find the statue illuminated for an even different way to experience the full magic of this site.
After exploring the statue, take a break at Ichirodo Café within the temple grounds. The café serves healthy Japanese dishes, making it a perfect spot for lunch or a relaxing pause.
Highlights
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Massive statue built in 1936.
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The interior features 146 steps to climb; there is no elevator.
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Designated as a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
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In spring, the contrast of pink cherry blossoms and the white statue creates a stunning view.
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There is a café within the temple grounds.
Photos
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![A 41.8-meter-tall, 6,000-ton concrete statue.]()
A 41.8-meter-tall, 6,000-ton concrete statue.
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![Enter the statue and climb the top for impeccable cityscape panoramas.]()
Enter the statue and climb the top for impeccable cityscape panoramas.
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![The unforgettable look and feel of the statue flanked by 3,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees.]()
The unforgettable look and feel of the statue flanked by 3,000 Somei Yoshino cherry trees.
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![While spring is a popular time to visit, the vibrant autumn foliage makes fall equally appealing.]()
While spring is a popular time to visit, the vibrant autumn foliage makes fall equally appealing.
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![Ichirodo Café sat at the base of the statue on the Jigen-in temple grounds.]()
Ichirodo Café sat at the base of the statue on the Jigen-in temple grounds.
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![The café serves drinks like coffee and matcha, along with healthy, vegetable-focused meals.]()
The café serves drinks like coffee and matcha, along with healthy, vegetable-focused meals.
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
Japanese and English pamphlets available.
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Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?
Yes.
Q
Is parking available?
Please use the nearest parking lot (paid).
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Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 高崎白衣大観音
- Postal Code
- 370-0864
- Address
- 2710-1 Ishiharamachi, Takasaki City, Gunma
- Telephone
- 027-322-2269(Jigen-in temple)
- Closed
- Free to walk
- Business Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm ※Closed at 4:30pm from November to February
- Admission
- High school students and older 300yen, Junior high school students and younger 100yen
- Access
- About 10 minutes by car from JR Takasaki Line’s Takasaki Station.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)