This iconic Daibutsu is arguably amongst the few images which have come to represent Japan in the world 's collective imagination .
A 15th - century tsunami destroyed the temple that once housed the Great Buddha , but the statue survived and has remained outdoors ever since .
This iconic Great Buddha is arguably amongst the few images which have come to represent Japan in the world 's collective imagination .
A 15th - century tsunami destroyed the temple that once housed the Great Buddha , but the statue survived and has remained outdoors ever since .