23 Creepy Colossal Monuments That Put Humanity In Perspective

2. The Ushiku Daibutsu – Japan’s Sky-High Buddha

Towering over the countryside of Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, the Ushiku Daibutsu is a record-breaking statue of Amitabha Buddha, standing at 120 meters (394 feet) tall—nearly four times the height of the Statue of Liberty. Completed in 1993, this behemoth was constructed to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, and serves as a beacon of peace, enlightenment, and harmony. What sets the Ushiku Daibutsu apart is not just its size but its immersive, multi-level interior, allowing visitors to travel up through the statue itself. The monument houses an elaborate museum where guests can learn about Buddhist teachings and view thousands of small golden Buddha statues arranged in a breathtaking display. A glass-encased elevator ascends 85 meters (279 feet) inside the statue, leading to an observation deck inside the Buddha’s chest, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding Japanese countryside. Encircled by serene gardens, lotus ponds, and a peaceful petting zoo, the area around Ushiku Daibutsu is designed for contemplation and spiritual renewal. Every spring, the gardens bloom with thousands of cherry blossoms, turning the site into a scene of ethereal beauty. At night, the statue is softly illuminated, giving it an almost celestial glow against the starry sky.