The Buddhist statues of Japan come in a wide variety of forms, representing the various manifestations and aspects of Buddhism and its many sects. Of all the iconic figures that can be found around the country, perhaps the grooviest are the statues of Amida with a giant afro!
Dubbed the “Afro Buddha,” this statue stored at Todaiji in Nara is also rarely available public viewing — it’s usually only on display for one day a year! But thanks to special circumstances, it is on display from now until October 18. If you’re looking for the funkiest Buddha in Japan, now’s your chance to see him!

Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japan has new rules for bicycle riders, and these 14 things could get you a fine or a court date
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
Welcome to Japan’s smallest natural mountain, where you get a climbing certificate at the summit
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
Howl’s Moving Castle’s scene-stealing dog is here to clean your home as a plushie mop
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
Welcome to Japan’s smallest natural mountain, where you get a climbing certificate at the summit
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?
Exploring the tastes and textures of Forbidden Yukimi Toast【SoraKitchen】
What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at Daiso Japan?
New Evangelion lingerie sets take styling cues from the hit anime’s male characters 【Photos】
Muji’s locally sourced Yamatomaru pizzas are some of the best frozen pizzas we’ve ever had