Takaoka Big Buddha

Takaoka Big Buddha was first created in 1745 from wood and painted with gold leaf. However two fires destructed the statue and it was finally suggested that the Buddha statue be constructed from fire-resistant materials. It was no surprise that copper was chosen as the source of material considering that 90% of Japan's copper statues, temple bells and structures were produced in Takaoka. Today the 52 ft Takaoka Big Buddha is a great symbol of the city of Takaoka.