Another one for our "got away" list, but this isn't just any missed temple - we're talking about a Buddha statue so massive they had to build Japan's largest indoor space just to house it! When your friend calls something their favorite temple in ALL of Japan, you know skipping it is going to haunt you.

Built in the 1980s (which makes it practically brand new by Japanese temple standards), this place sounds like it goes all-in on the wow factor. Picture walking up this traditional shop-lined approach, then BAM - you're face to face with a 17-meter bronze Buddha. That's like a five-story building, but Buddha-shaped!

And speaking of five stories, they've got Japan's tallest pagoda too, which you can actually climb for views. For anyone making it to Fukui (which we obviously need to do next time): even if you're templed-out, this sounds like one of those places that makes you rethink what a temple can be. Just maybe check those public transport schedules carefully - apparently they're not exactly frequent!