Tokyo Wan Kannon Statue

Standing 56 meters tall atop a hill in Futtsu, Chiba, the Tokyo Wan Kannon (東京湾観音) is a monumental statue of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy that gazes out across the vast waters of Tokyo Bay. Designed by Masae Usami and completed in 1961, the structure was envisioned as a profound symbol of world peace following the devastation of World War II. This sentiment is reinforced by various memorial blocks surrounding the base of the statue, which are dedicated to the pursuit of global harmony and serve as a reminder of the site’s spiritual purpose.

Unlike many solid religious monuments, the Tokyo Wan Kannon is a hollow, 20-story structure that allows for internal exploration. The interior functions as a vertical sanctuary, housing religious artifacts and a serene shrine. Visitors can ascend through the statue via a series of staircases that wind upward through its core. While the climb officially reaches the “forehead” of the Kannon, the final two floors are notably restricted, accessible only via narrow stairways and ladders. These highest levels offer limited visibility through small holes in the exterior wall, providing a unique perspective from the very top of the figure.

For superior panoramas, the observation areas located in the statue’s arms are the primary draw. These sections feature white-fenced walkways where visitors can step out and enjoy sweeping views of the Boso Peninsula, the shipping lanes of the bay, and the distant Tokyo skyline. Although it is a significant cultural landmark, the site is most frequently utilized as a scenic stopover for travelers heading further south toward Mount Nokogiri. Given its somewhat isolated hillside location, access via private vehicle or rental car is highly recommended, as public transit to the immediate vicinity is infrequent.

Visitor Information
Address	1588 Kokubo, Futtsu, Chiba 293-0042 (Google Maps)
Opening Hours	8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
Price	Adults: ¥500 / Junior High and High School Students: ¥400 / Elementary School Students: ¥300
Website	Visit Website

Access Information
Method	Transport	Access Details
Car / Taxi	Private Transport	Approximately 15 minutes from the Futtsu-Chuo IC on the Tateyama Expressway.
Train / Bus	JR Uchibo Line	From Sanukimachi Station, it is a 30-minute walk or a 5-minute taxi ride to the base.