The statue's surface is covered with thousands of pieces of handmade washi paper inscribed with Buddhist sutras.
Construction took 38 years to complete, led by the monk Ichu, who sought to prevent earthquakes and famine.
The statue is seated in the lotus position and is often called the 'Basket Buddha' due to its bamboo-wicker frame construction.
It is one of the three great Buddha statues of Japan, alongside those in Nara and Kamakura.
The statue was finished using lacquer mixed with gold leaf, giving it a distinct shimmering appearance.
Shōbō-ji temple houses the Gifu Daibutsu, a 13.7-meter-tall seated Buddha statue completed in 1832. Unlike bronze statues, this Buddha is constructed using a dry-lacquer technique, involving a frame of wood, bamboo, and clay covered in sutra-inscribed paper. The statue is officially recognized as a Gifu Prefecture Important Cultural Property. Its facial features measure approximately 3.6 meters, reflecting the massive scale of the icon. The temple grounds are located at the base of Mount Kinkasan. The Buddha's interior skeleton remains visible in certain structural sections, demonstrating traditional Japanese construction methods of the Edo period. The temple serves as an active site for religious observance and historical preservation.
From the entrance of the main hall to capture the full scale of the statue's height.
Walk slowly around the perimeter of the statue to appreciate the intricate paper sutras covering its body.
Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Gifu Park for a full afternoon of sightseeing.
Respect the quiet nature of the hall as it is an active place of worship.
Taking flash photography inside the main hall, as it can damage the ancient lacquer and paper finish.
Remove your shoes before entering the temple hall; maintain a low voice.
