Great Buddha of Gifu

The Gifu Great Buddha (Gifu Daibutsu) is a colossal statue of Shakyamuni Buddha that was constructed during the late Edo period, around the Tenmei era.
The 11th head priest of Kinpōzan Shōhōji Temple, Priest Ichū, was deeply saddened by the successive large earthquakes and famines that caused significant suffering.
He decided to create this statue as a memorial for those who perished in these disasters.
The construction of the Gifu Great Buddha, also known as the “Basket Buddha” due to its unique construction method, spanned the tenures of two head priests,
Ichū and his successor, Priest Konsū. It took approximately 38 years to complete, and the eye-opening ceremony was held in 1832 (Tenpō 3).

岐阜大仏は、江戸時代後期の天明の頃、金鳳山正方寺の第11代権中和尚が、相次ぐ大地震や大飢饉に心を痛め、これらの災害で亡くなった人々の菩提のために造立された大釈迦如来像の籠大仏です。
第11代惟中和尚と、第12代肯宗和尚の二代にわたる約38年の歳月を費やし、1832(天保3)年に開眼供養が行われたと言われています。

The Great Buddha’s internal framework is constructed from wood, while the exterior is made from high-quality bamboo.
Over this structure, clay is applied, and then it is covered with the complete Buddhist scriptures collected by Priest Ichū from various places,
which were used as adhesive layers. The statue is then finished with layers of lacquer and gold leaf.
Additionally, a ginkgo tree pillar, known as the “Great True Pillar,” with a circumference of 6 shaku (approximately 57 cm in diameter),
is erected at the back of the Buddha.
This pillar runs vertically from the base, through the interior of the statue, and supports the lower part of the third level of the Buddha Hall.

大仏は胎内の骨格を木材で組み、外部は良質の竹材を編んで作ります。その上に粘土を塗り、惟中和尚が各地で集めた一切経で糊張りし、
さらに漆と金箔を重ねて仕上げています。
また、「大真柱」と呼ばれる周長6尺(直径約57cm)の銀杏の木の柱を大仏の背面に建て、台座から胎内を通して大仏殿第3層の下部まで垂直に立てて支えています。

The Great Buddha’s internal framework is constructed from wood, while the exterior is made by weaving high-quality bamboo.
Clay is applied over this structure, and then it is covered with the complete Buddhist scriptures, collected by Priest Ichū from various places,
used as an adhesive. The statue is finished with layers of lacquer and gold leaf.
Additionally, a ginkgo tree pillar, known as the “Great True Pillar,” with a circumference of 6 shaku (approximately 57 cm in diameter),
is erected at the back of the Buddha.
This pillar runs vertically from the base, through the interior of the statue, and supports the lower part of the third level of the Buddha Hall.
Standing at a height of 13.63 meters, the Great Buddha is one of the largest dry lacquer Buddha statues in Japan,
and its imposing presence is truly awe-inspiring.

昭和49年に「岐阜県指定重要文化財」に指定された「日本三大仏」の一つとして数えられるこの大仏はの顔は訪れる人にむけてやさしい表情で微笑みかける、
癒しの空間が広がっています。

During the “Gifu Illuminations,” held every winter, you can see the uniquely lit-up Great Buddha.

毎年冬に開催される「ぎふ灯り物語」では、ライトアップされた一風変わった大仏をご覧いただくことができます。

Standing at a height of 13.63 meters, the Great Buddha is one of the largest dry lacquer Buddha statues in Japan,
and its imposing presence is truly awe-inspiring.

高さが13.63mあり、日本最大級の乾漆仏の迫力に圧倒されること間違いなし。

It is a building from the late Edo period that combines Ming dynasty and Japanese architectural styles.
Due to the structural requirements of the Great Buddha,
it was essential to have a protective covering from the stages of its construction to shield it from wind and rain.
Therefore, it is believed that the construction of the Great Buddha Hall proceeded in parallel with the creation of the Great Buddha.
In the center of the Great Buddha Hall, a large space was created to house the Great Buddha, which stands over 13 meters tall.
Additionally, unique features not found in other Great Buddha Halls can be observed, such as the corridor that encircles the Buddha
(although the corridor is not usually accessible).
Structure: Wooden, three-story
Dimensions: Width 19.16m × Depth 19.18m × Height 23.60m

明朝様式と和様が融合した江戸時代後期の建物です。大仏の構造上、大仏を造立する段階から風雨を凌ぐ覆屋が不可欠であることから、
大仏造立と並行して大仏殿の造営が進められたと考えられます。
大仏殿の中心部には、高さ13mを超える大仏を収めるために、大きな空間が形成されています。
また、大仏の周囲を巡ることが出来る回廊など、他の大仏殿には無い特殊な形態が見られます。（回廊は通常使用できません。）
構造　木造三層
規模　梁間19.16m × 桁行19.18m × 高さ23.60m