Ushiku Daibutsu New Year Events 2025-2026

• December 31, 2025 at 10:00 pm
  Event date:
• January 3, 2026 at 4:00 pm
  Event end:

History

Ushiku Daibutsu, located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a towering 120-meter statue of Buddha, making it one of the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Completed in 1993, the statue has become a major landmark and a site of spiritual significance, attracting visitors from across Japan and abroad.

The New Year celebrations at Ushiku Daibutsu have a long-standing tradition of welcoming the first day of the year with religious observances and festive activities. The temple grounds host Hatsumode, the first worship of the year, along with other cultural and ceremonial events. Over the years, the New Year fireworks have become a rare and highly anticipated spectacle in Japan, as few places celebrate the New Year with fireworks.

The Ushiku Daibutsu New Year event combines centuries-old spiritual traditions with modern celebratory elements, creating a unique experience for both pilgrims and tourists. Visitors can participate in prayers, explore the statue, and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck.

Overview

The Ushiku Daibutsu New Year Events 2025-2026 will be held from December 31st, 2025, to January 3rd, 2026, with extended hours from 10:00 PM on December 31st to 4:00 PM on January 3rd. The highlight is a spectacular New Year’s countdown and fireworks display at midnight on January 1st, illuminating the massive Buddha statue in vibrant colors.

From January 1st to 3rd, visitors can enter the interior of the statue for free, exploring the lotus-shaped museum, gallery of golden Buddha statues, and the observation deck at 85 meters, providing a breathtaking view of the surrounding area. The festival also includes Shusho-e (New Year’s prayer services), traditional Hatsumode rituals, and occasional animal performances to entertain families and children.

This event is a must-visit for those seeking a spiritual and cultural experience during the New Year in Japan. It is suitable for families, tourists, and photography enthusiasts who want to capture the monumental Buddha with festive fireworks.

Highlights

• Rare New Year’s midnight fireworks illuminating the 120-meter Buddha statue
• Free entry to the Daibutsu interior, including the observation deck at 85 meters
• Hatsumode: the first temple visit of the year for prayers and blessings
• Shusho-e: traditional New Year’s prayer ceremonies
• Family-friendly events, including animal performances and interactive activities

Why Jasumo Recommends?

• Witness one of the few New Year fireworks displays in Japan
• Participate in authentic Japanese Hatsumode and New Year traditions
• Free entry to the massive Daibutsu and gardens during the event
• Stunning photography opportunities, both day and night
• Accessible location from Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Narita Airport

If you are visiting Japan or already here, Jasumo can assist with custom tours, transportation, ticket bookings, and more. Just contact us through our Contact Us page.

Schedule

• Dates: Tuesday, December 31st, 2025 – Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
• Time: Open from 10:00 PM on December 31st to 4:00 PM on January 3rd
• Main Event: Midnight fireworks on January 1st
• Other Events: Hatsumode, Shusho-e prayer services, animal performances

Pricing

• December 31st (Countdown & Fireworks): Free entry to the grounds
• January 1st – 3rd: Free entry to the gardens and inside the Daibutsu (normally ¥800 for adults, ¥500 for children)

Location

Venue: Ushiku Daibutsu, 2083 Kuno-cho, Ushiku-shi, Ibaraki Prefecture 300-1288, Japan

How to Get There:

• By Car: Close to Ken-o Expressway Ami Higashi Interchange (also serves Ami Premium Outlets). Approximately 30 minutes from Narita Airport and 1 hour from Saitama via Ken-o Expressway. From Tokyo, use Joban Expressway to Tsukuba Junction, then switch to Ken-o Expressway.
• By Public Transport: Nearest stations are Ushiku and Hitachino-Ushiku on the Joban Line; from there, take a taxi or bus to the Daibutsu.

Accommodation Options

Ushiku and nearby Tsukuba offer a variety of accommodations. Budget travelers can find guesthouses or small hotels for approximately ¥3,000–¥6,000 per night.

Mid-range hotels with modern amenities, breakfast, and easy access to the Daibutsu area cost around ¥8,000–¥15,000 per night. For travelers seeking luxury or traditional Japanese experiences, ryokans are available nearby with tatami rooms, Japanese-style meals, and cultural hospitality. Early booking is recommended during the New Year period due to high visitor numbers.

FAQs

What is the Ushiku Daibutsu New Year event?

It is a New Year celebration at one of the world’s tallest Buddha statues, featuring Hatsumode, Shusho-e prayer ceremonies, and a rare midnight fireworks display.

When is the Ushiku Daibutsu New Year 2025-2026?

The event runs from December 31st, 2025, to January 3rd, 2026, open all night on December 31st and daily until 4:00 PM on January 3rd.

Is there an entry fee for the New Year event?

No, entry to the gardens and inside the Daibutsu is free from January 1st to 3rd, a special saving from the normal fee of ¥800 (adults).

How can I get to Ushiku Daibutsu?

Visitors can drive via Ken-o Expressway (Ami Higashi Interchange) or take the Joban Line to Ushiku or Hitachino-Ushiku station, followed by a taxi or bus.

Are there accommodations near Ushiku Daibutsu?

Yes, there are budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and ryokans in Ushiku and Tsukuba, ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 per night, suitable for families and tourists visiting for New Year.

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