Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu - Gifu

Located in 8 Daibutsu-cho Gifu City in Gifu Prefecture, Shoboji (正法寺) is known as the temple which houses one of the three largest Daibutsu or Great Buddha statues in Japan.

Shoboji (正法寺)

Shoboji and Gifu Daibutsu History

Officially named Kinpouzan Shobouji (Temple) and also called Shohoji, Shoboji was first established in 1638. It joined the Obaku school in 1692. Although the temple incorporated many aspects of the Obaku school, its architectural style and sacraments are in the Chinese style. 

Shoboji - Gifu City, Gifu Prefecture

Shoboji as seen from the road

Buy your entrance ticket here. It's only 200 yen.

Here's what appears to be a tsukubai but could also be a chozubachi or purification font

As was already written, Shoboji houses one of the largest statues of Buddha in Japan. It was the 11th head priest of the temple, Ichyuu (Ichu) who planned for the construction of Gifu's Great Buddha in 1790. Sadly, he never saw the completed Buddha as he passed away in 1815. The Great Buddha was completed in 1832 - 38 years after it was started. 

Shoboji's Daibutsu

A closer look at Shoboji's Great Daibutsu

A miniature model of the Shoboji (temple)

Here's how the roof of the temple looks like.

Unlike the other Daibutsu of Japan which were made from metal, the Gifu Great Buddha was constructed using wood. Its central pillar which serves as its base was made from a large ginkgo tree that measures around 1.8 meters in circumference. The mainframe or the skeletal structure of the Buddha was made from fine wood. While the outer frame was made from weaved high-quality bamboo giving it the nickname "Basket Buddha". The body was then covered with Buddhist sutras collected from different parts of the country. Layers of lacquer were then applied over the sutras before covering it with gilt. 

Mr. Toshi offering a prayer to Shoboji's Great Daibutsu

Upon completion, Gifu's Daibutsu has this specification:

Height = 13.63m
Length of face = 3.63m
Length of ears = 2.12m
Width of eyes = 0.66m
Width of mouth = 1.31m
Height of nose = 0.36m

Visitors checking out the Gohyakuran and the Buddhist carvings

The sculptures are finely carved and are painted with great detail. However, the said paint faded with time.

Aside from the Great Buddha at the center of the temple, visitors would also find smaller figurines lined up at the side of the temple like a crowd watching the Daibutsu at the center. These figures are called Gohyakuran which means disciples of the Great Buddha. It was said that these once numbered around a thousand but many were destroyed by earthquakes leaving only around 500 at present. 

The Gohyakuran on the left side of the temple

The Gohyakuran on the right side of the temple

For those who are planning to visit, keep in mind that there is an entrance fee of 200 yen. Upon paying the said fee, you would receive an English brochure explaining Shoboji's history.

Here's one sculpture that's quite revered by many. Can someone tell me who he is?

My family and I got to visit Shoboji during our 18th day in Japan. It was our last trip before leaving Gifu City to go back home. During our quick visit, it was only my godfather and me who went to the temple. My wife and daughter decided to stay in the car to rest after using much of their energy during our mini-hike to Gifu Castle. 

The goshuin of Shoboji

Mr. Toshi toured with me inside the Shoboji explaining bits and pieces of the temple's history that were not mentioned in the brochure. He also translated numerous Japanese words in the temple. Before leaving, I made sure to get a goshuin for my collection. 

The Backpack Adventures visits Shoboji

Shoboji Admission Fee:

To enter Shoboji visitors have to pay an admission fee of 200 yen per adult and 100 yen per child.

Shoboji Opening Hours:

Shoboji is open from 9AM - 6PM April to October and 9AM - 5PM November to March.

Why visit Shoboji?

Overall, the temple and the Great Buddha might not be as big as that in Todaiji in Nara Prefecture but it is equally rich in history. It is one of the few must-visit temples in Gifu City. 

Getting to Shoboji Temple:

From Gifu Station or Meitetsu Gifu Station, board a bus going to Nagara. Board down at Gifu Koen, Rekishi Hakubutsukan-mae which is about 15 minutes away from the train station. Shoboji is several meters away and can be reached on foot. 

Ratings:

Pilgrims

Cleanliness

Overall rating