Overview of Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon
The statue was built in 1936 by businessman Yasasaburō Inoue. Made of reinforced concrete, it stands approximately 41.8 meters tall and weighs about 5,985 tons.
When it was completed, it was renowned as the world’s largest Kannon statue. It was constructed both to commemorate soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army’s 15th Infantry Regiment who died in service and to contribute to the development of Takasaki as a tourist destination.
The interior of the statue is divided into nine levels. Visitors can climb a staircase of 146 steps and explore the different levels, where 20 Buddhist statues are enshrined.
The original model for the statue was created by Yūzō Morimura, a metalwork artist from Isesaki who was an accredited artist of the Nitten exhibition. Construction was supervised by Ryūgyoku Kurokawa.
An interesting story associated with the statue concerns a young Kakuei Tanaka, who later became a prominent Japanese political figure. At the time, Tanaka worked for Inoue Industry and is said to have transported the model from Morimura’s studio to the Tokyo branch of Inoue Industry by bicycle.
History of Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon
Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon was completed in 1936, and its consecration ceremony was held on October 20 of the same year.
The following year, in 1937, the Takasaki Tourism Association was established, and tourism development centered around the Kannon statue began to progress.
In 1938, the statue was donated to the City of Takasaki. In 1941, Jigen-in Temple was relocated to its present site, and the Kannon statue became the temple’s principal image’s attendant statue.
In 1950, the statue was selected as one of the destinations in the Mainichi Shimbun’s “100 Best Tourist Attractions” selection, further establishing Kannon-yama as a major tourist destination in Takasaki.
In 1961, Takasaki Fairyland, later known as Kappapia, opened nearby, adding another attraction to the area. Major renovation work was carried out in 1995, and in 2000, Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon was designated a Registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan.
The Red Thread Prayer Festival
Since 2011, the local nonprofit organization Takasaki Network has organized the Red Thread Prayer Festival every year from Valentine’s Day through White Day.
The event was created in part to dispel a local urban legend claiming that couples who visit the Kannon statue together will eventually break up, while also promoting tourism and revitalization in Takasaki.
During the festival, a red thread approximately 30 meters long is suspended from the little finger of the Kannon statue. Visitors tie the other end around their own little finger and make a wish.
Since 2022, a rope incorporating LED lights has been used. At night, the illuminated thread creates a particularly atmospheric and memorable scene.
Nature and Attractions Around Kannon-yama
The area around Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon offers more than the giant statue itself. Kannon-yama Park has been developed on the former site of Kappapia, providing visitors with opportunities to enjoy nature alongside sightseeing.
Nearby attractions include the Somoku Botanical Garden, which focuses on dye plants, and Cave Kannon, an unusual religious site built around caves and Buddhist statues.
Walking trails are also available, making it possible to combine sightseeing at the Kannon statue with a relaxing nature walk through the hills.
The statue has also appeared in popular culture. In 1962, Takasaki Kannon was used as a filming location for the movie King Kong vs. Godzilla.
A Symbol of Takasaki
Standing high above the surrounding hills, Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon has become one of the most recognizable landmarks of Takasaki.
The enormous white statue offers a striking contrast with the surrounding greenery and provides visitors with both impressive views and a sense of the area’s religious and cultural heritage.
The surrounding Kannon-yama area is also ideal for a leisurely walk, with temples, gardens, forested paths, and other attractions located nearby.
Access
From the west exit of JR Takasaki Station, take the Takasaki City Loop Bus “Gururin,” Kannon-yama Line.
Get off at the Byakue Kannon-mae bus stop. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes.
The city bus is a convenient option for visitors traveling to Takasaki Byakue Dai-Kannon without a car.