Tokyo Bay Kannon is a monumental statue of Kannon standing 56 meters tall in Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture. Built as a symbol of prayers for peace and remembrance of those who died in war, the statue overlooks the entrance to Tokyo Bay from the summit of Mount Otsuboyama.
In addition to its impressive scale and remarkable construction, Tokyo Bay Kannon is known for the panoramic scenery from the mountain. On clear days, visitors can see Tokyo Bay, the Boso Peninsula, the Kanto Plain, and even Mount Fuji in the distance.
Tokyo Bay Kannon stands on the summit of Mount Otsuboyama, which has an elevation of approximately 120 meters. The mountain is located near the center of Futtsu and provides a commanding view of the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
The statue was constructed in 1961 by Masamori Usami, a timber merchant who wanted to create a monument dedicated to peace and the remembrance of war victims.
The statue is 56 meters high and contains a 20-story interior. Inside are numerous Buddhist sculptures created by sculptor Ko Hasegawa, allowing visitors to experience not only the enormous exterior of the statue but also its artistic and religious interior.
Masamori Usami experienced the Great Tokyo Air Raid during World War II and witnessed the suffering and loss caused by the war. These experiences led him to envision a monument that would honor those who had lost their lives and express a wish for lasting world peace.
The idea was conceived in 1956, and construction took approximately five years. The completed Tokyo Bay Kannon was unveiled in 1961.
Since then, the statue has stood overlooking Tokyo Bay as a place associated with remembrance, prayer, and peace.
The original design of the Kannon statue was created by Ko Hasegawa, a Buddhist sculptor from what is now Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture.
Hasegawa used the famous 救世観音 (Kuse Kannon) at Horyuji Temple as a model and incorporated his wish to make Chiba a symbolic destination for the transmission of Buddhist teachings.
Many Buddhist sculptures created by Hasegawa are displayed inside Tokyo Bay Kannon. These works add an artistic and spiritual dimension to the visit and allow visitors to appreciate the sculptor’s interpretation of Buddhist imagery.
Constructing a 56-meter-high monument on a mountain required considerable engineering expertise. The statue is supported by 16 structural pillars extending approximately 10 meters underground, while a central shaft measuring about 3 meters in diameter provides additional structural support.
The construction required enormous quantities of materials, including approximately 280 tons of reinforcing steel, 5,000 cubic meters of gravel, and large quantities of cement. The scale of these materials illustrates the considerable engineering challenge involved in creating the monument.
The inside of Tokyo Bay Kannon extends across 20 levels. A spiral staircase with 314 steps runs alongside the central shaft, allowing visitors to climb through the interior of the statue.
Observation areas are located at several levels. From the 13th-floor Arm Observation Area and the 19th-floor Crown Observation Area, visitors can look out across Tokyo Bay and the Boso Peninsula.
When weather conditions are favorable, the view extends across much of the Kanto Plain, with Mount Fuji visible in the distance.
Since its construction, Tokyo Bay Kannon has undergone regular maintenance to preserve the monument. In 2018, a major renovation known as the “final major renovation of the Heisei era” was carried out.
The work included repainting the exterior and repairing areas of concrete. The project took more than six months and cost approximately 150 million yen, helping to preserve the statue for future generations.
One of the greatest attractions of Tokyo Bay Kannon is the scenery from Mount Otsuboyama. The mountain lies within the Minamiboso Quasi-National Park area, and its elevated position provides expansive views over Tokyo Bay.
The scenery is particularly beautiful around sunset. On clear evenings, the combination of the setting sun, Tokyo Bay, and distant Mount Fuji can create a spectacular landscape.
The interior contains numerous Buddhist sculptures created by Ko Hasegawa. These works allow visitors to experience the statue as more than a large monument; they also provide an opportunity to explore Buddhist art and religious symbolism.
The quiet atmosphere inside the statue contrasts with the vast views outside, making the visit an opportunity for both reflection and sightseeing.
Tokyo Bay Kannon
1588 Kokuho, Futtsu, Chiba Prefecture
From JR Onuki Station or Sanukimachi Station on the Uchibo Line, take a Nitto Kotsu bus and get off at the Kannon-shita bus stop.
From the bus stop, the statue is approximately a 20-minute walk along a mountain path.
By car, Tokyo Bay Kannon is approximately 5 minutes from the Futtsu-Chuo Interchange on the Tateyama Expressway. Parking is available, making a car a convenient option for visitors who want to explore the surrounding area as well.
Tokyo Bay Kannon is a distinctive landmark combining Japanese Buddhist culture, postwar history, monumental architecture, and spectacular scenery. Its enormous 56-meter-high form can be seen from the surrounding area, while the interior offers visitors a closer look at Buddhist sculpture and the engineering behind the monument.
The statue’s origins are closely connected with remembrance of the victims of war and prayers for world peace. At the same time, its elevated location provides beautiful views across Tokyo Bay and the Boso Peninsula.
For travelers exploring southern Chiba, Tokyo Bay Kannon offers a memorable experience that combines history, spirituality, architecture, and panoramic scenery in one remarkable destination.