Takasaki Byakue Daikannon, White Buddhist statue in Takasaki, Japan.
Takasaki Byakue Daikannon is a massive white concrete statue rising above the city and visible from far away. Its interior is divided into multiple levels connected by a staircase that visitors can climb.
The statue was built in 1936 on the initiative of a local businessman to honor fallen soldiers. The monument arose as part of efforts to develop the region while commemorating wartime losses.
The interior contains Buddhist figures distributed across multiple levels that visitors encounter while ascending. This arrangement follows traditional temple design and creates a meditative journey upward.
Entry is straightforward and the climb inside is manageable for most visitors, though you should allow time for the stairs. Visiting during quieter periods gives you a more peaceful experience as you move through the levels.
The original model of the statue was surprisingly transported by bicycle from a sculptor's studio by a notable figure. This unusual delivery method is a remarkable part of the monument's creation story.
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