The Great Buddha at Hotei is a Quirky Hidden Gem Near Nagoya!

Just a 20-minute train ride from Nagoya lies one of the quirkiest spots you’ll ever encounter: The Great Buddha at Hotei in Konan City. Picture this: a colossal concrete Buddha suddenly emerging from a residential area, standing tall and slightly out of place. It’s so unexpected and bizarre that you can’t help but be fascinated. Let’s explore the best photo ops for this oddly captivating statue.

 

 

 

Oddly addictive sprouting from an apartment!

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei peeking over a modern apartment building, creating a surreal contrast.

 

 

 

Suddenly emerging in a residential area, the Great Buddha at Hotei stands out in the most peculiar way. Is it secretly watching over the residents or protecting them? Its expression changes subtly depending on the angle, sparking endless stories in your imagination!

 

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei, with its head visible above a modern apartment building.

 

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei, towering majestically in a residential neighborhood.

 

 

The view from behind is equally thrilling. It’s chilling to think of stepping out of your house to see it every day, but perhaps you’d get used to it, and it would become just another part of the neighborhood.

 

 

It’s surreal, to say the least!

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei looming large behind residential houses.

 

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei peeking out from behind trees in a residential area.

 

 

 

A bizarre local tourist spot with a cult following!

 

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei as viewed from behind, looking majestic against the sky.

 

 

 

The story behind the Great Buddha at Hotei is as unique as the statue itself. In 1949, a 43-year-old acupuncturist from Nagoya had a vision that prompted him to undertake this grand project. He dedicated his personal fortune and five years of his life to build this 18-meter-tall Buddha, which stands 3 meters taller than the famous Great Buddha of Nara. The result? A delightfully unbalanced, large-faced Buddha that somehow becomes more endearing the longer you look at it.

 

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei wearing sunglasses created by a crossing signal.
The Great Buddha at Hotei wearing sunglasses.

 

 

One of the most famous views of the Great Buddha at Hotei is from a railroad crossing, where the Buddha appears to be wearing sunglasses, thanks to the placement of the crossing gates. This amusing sight has earned it the nickname “Sunglasses Buddha” on the internet, solidifying its status as a truly unique landmark.

 

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei seen from the railway tracks, adding to the unique atmosphere of the area.

 

 

Situated right next to the Meitetsu Line, you can enjoy the view of the Great Buddha with passing trains—a sight that has secretly charmed railway enthusiasts. Whether you’re here for the quirkiness or the trains, The Great Buddha at Hotei promises an experience that’s anything but ordinary.

 

 

 

The Great Buddha at Hotei（布袋の大仏）

Daimon-135 Kigacho, Konan, Aichi

 

 

 

 

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