Takasaki Byakue Daikannon is a monumental statue of Kannon standing approximately 41.8 meters tall on the Kannon-yama Hills in Takasaki, Gunma Prefecture. Also affectionately known as Takasaki Kannon, the statue is often simply called “Kannon-sama” or “Byakue Kannon” by local residents.
Since its completion in 1936, the statue has watched over the city and become one of Takasaki’s best-known symbols. Its imposing concrete figure can be seen from a considerable distance and forms a striking landmark together with the natural scenery of Kannon-yama, which changes with the seasons.
Takasaki Byakue Daikannon stands near the summit of the area commonly known as the Kannon-yama Hills, at an elevation of approximately 190 meters. The statue stands within the grounds of Jigen-in Temple, a temple belonging to the Koyasan Shingon school of Buddhism, and is one of the defining sights of the Kannon-yama area.
During the day, visitors can look out over central Takasaki. In clear weather, the view extends toward mountains throughout Gunma and, on exceptionally clear days, as far as the direction of the Yatsugatake Mountains.
After dark, the illuminated Kannon statue appears dramatically against the night sky. Together with the surrounding city lights, it creates a particularly atmospheric view of Takasaki.
Takasaki Byakue Daikannon stands approximately 41.8 meters tall and has a total weight of approximately 5,985 tons. The interior is constructed over nine levels, with a total of 146 steps leading visitors upward to approximately the level of the statue’s shoulders.
The original model for the statue was created by Morimura Yuzo, a metalwork artist from present-day Isesaki, Gunma. The project itself was developed and brought into reality by businessman Inoue Yasaburo.
From the time it was completed in 1936, the enormous statue attracted attention as a major landmark. Over the decades, it has served not only as a place of Buddhist worship but also as a site associated with tourism and memorial observances.
One of the most distinctive features of Takasaki Byakue Daikannon is the opportunity to enter the statue itself, an experience known as tainaikanpai. This literally means worship or visiting the interior of a Buddhist statue.
Inside, 20 Buddhist statues and statues of eminent Buddhist monks are enshrined across the different levels. Visitors can climb the staircase step by step while viewing these figures along the way.
The staircase eventually leads to the highest accessible level, located around the shoulders of the statue. Walking through the interior provides an unusual opportunity to experience the enormous scale and internal structure of the Kannon statue from within—something that cannot be appreciated from the outside alone.
From the area around the statue’s shoulders, visitors can look down over Takasaki city. On clear days, the panorama includes the Three Mountains of Jomo, the Nikko Mountain Range, and the Chichibu Mountain Range.
Depending on weather conditions, the view can extend even farther toward the Yatsugatake Mountains. The combination of Buddhist worship and a sweeping mountain-and-city panorama makes the interior visit a distinctive experience at Kannon-yama.
The idea of constructing Takasaki Byakue Daikannon emerged in the early 1930s, and the statue was completed and ceremonially consecrated in 1936.
At the time, the project was intended in part as a memorial for members of military units stationed in Takasaki who had died in war, as well as a means of promoting tourism in the city.
During the wartime period, the interior of the statue was used for purposes such as storage, reflecting the circumstances of the time. After the war, the site was redeveloped as a place of worship and gradually became connected with local cultural activities and community events.
Since its construction, the statue has undergone repairs and improvements to its surrounding environment, allowing it to be preserved and enjoyed over many decades. Its importance as part of Takasaki’s urban landscape has also been recognized, including through the Takasaki Urban Landscape Award in the postwar period.
Today, the statue remains one of the most recognizable historical and cultural landmarks of Kannon-yama, attracting both local residents and visitors from elsewhere in Japan.
A variety of events and Buddhist ceremonies are held at Kannon-yama throughout the year. These include anniversary observances and religious services, as well as seasonal events.
In summer, the Mantoe lantern festival creates a distinctive atmosphere, while the annual Amazake Sen’nin Kuyo memorial service is another long-established local event. Such traditions remain closely connected with the cultural life of the area.
In recent years, events such as the Red Thread Prayer Festival, associated with prayers for finding a meaningful relationship, have also been held. Alongside traditional religious ceremonies, these events provide opportunities for younger visitors and travelers to experience local customs.
The area around Takasaki Byakue Daikannon contains a number of attractions, including Jigen-in Temple, Cave Kannon, the Botanical Dye Plant Garden, and Kannon-yama Park.
Kannon-yama is also blessed with abundant natural beauty. Cherry blossoms bloom in spring, while autumn foliage colors the hills later in the year. Walking along the surrounding paths while enjoying seasonal flowers and trees is a pleasant way to explore the area.
Rather than visiting only the statue, travelers can combine it with the surrounding temples, gardens, historic sites, and natural attractions to gain a fuller appreciation of Kannon-yama’s landscape and cultural heritage.
From Takasaki Station, visitors can take the city’s Gururin sightseeing bus, Kannon-yama Line. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. A taxi from Takasaki Station takes around 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Those arriving by car can use parking facilities in the surrounding area.
Visiting the interior of the statue requires climbing 146 steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
The view from the shoulder level also varies considerably depending on weather conditions. Visitors hoping to see the distant mountain ranges should choose a clear day whenever possible.
If time allows, consider exploring the surrounding walking paths, historic sites, and natural attractions as well as visiting the statue itself. This provides a more complete experience of the Kannon-yama area.
Takasaki Byakue Daikannon offers much more than an impressive 41.8-meter-high statue. Visitors can enter the statue, climb to shoulder level, enjoy expansive views, explore the natural surroundings of Kannon-yama, and experience religious and cultural events that have become part of the local community.
The site can be enjoyed in different ways depending on the season and purpose of the visit. Visitors may quietly pay their respects, explore the interior of the statue, admire the panorama from above, or take a leisurely walk through the cherry blossoms and autumn foliage surrounding the hill.
When visiting Takasaki, take time to see this monumental Kannon statue that has long been part of the city’s landscape. The combination of its imposing presence, the rich nature of Kannon-yama, and the panoramic views over Takasaki offers a memorable introduction to one of the city’s most recognizable cultural landmarks.
Womb viewing
March - October: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
November - February: 9:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
No holidays
Entrance to the womb
High school students and older: 300 yen
100 yen for junior high school students and younger
Train: 25 minutes by bus or 20 minutes by cab from Takasaki Station on the JR Takasaki Line
Car: Approx. 20 min. from Takasaki IC or Maebashi IC of Kanetsu Expressway