About
The Great Buddha of Kamakura (้ๅๅคงไป, Kamakura Daibutsu) is a monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha located at Kotoku-in Temple, a Buddhist temple of the Jodo-shu sect in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. Standing 11.3 meters tall (13.35 meters including the base) and weighing approximately 93 tonnes, it is the second largest bronze Buddha statue in Japan and one of the country's most iconic symbols. ๐ ๐
Cast in 1252 during the Kamakura period, the statue represents Amitabha Buddha (Amida Nyorai), the principal deity of the Jodo-shu (Pure Land) Buddhist sect. The statue's origins trace back to Minamoto Yoritomo, founder of the Kamakura shogunate, who attended the inauguration of the Nara Daibutsu reconstruction in 1195 and wished to build a similar landmark in Kamakura. The first iteration, constructed of wood, was completed in 1238 but destroyed less than a decade later in 1247 by a violent storm. The current bronze statue was then completed in 1252. ๐
What makes this Buddha truly unique is its open-air setting - a result of natural disasters rather than original design. The temple buildings that once housed the statue were destroyed multiple times by typhoons and a tsunami in the 14th and 15th centuries. Since the late 15th century, the Buddha has been standing in the open air, exposed to the elements for over 500 years. This resilience has transformed the statue from merely a religious icon into a cultural symbol of endurance. ๐
The statue is designated as a National Treasure of Japan and is one of the twenty-two historic sites included in Kamakura's proposal for inclusion in UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. ๐
Cultural & Religious Significance
The Great Buddha represents Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, who is the central figure of Pure Land Buddhism. The Jodo-shu sect, founded by the Buddhist priest Honen in 1175, focuses exclusively on devotion to Amitabha Buddha through the practice of nembutsu - the recitation of "Namu Amida Butsu" (Praise to the Buddha Amitabha). ๐
According to Jodo-shu beliefs, through Amida Buddha's merit and compassion, practitioners can achieve rebirth in the Pure Land (Sukhavati), where they can pursue Buddhist Enlightenment more readily. This theological framework made Amida Buddha worship particularly accessible to common people during the medieval period. ๐
The bronze casting technique used to create the statue represents the pinnacle of 13th-century Japanese metalwork. The serene facial expression, with slightly downcast eyes and a gentle smile, embodies the compassion and peace associated with Amitabha Buddha. The blue-green patina that has developed over centuries adds to the statue's visual impact and historical authenticity. Over the centuries, the Kamakura Buddha has inspired countless works of art, poetry, and literature. It symbolizes enduring peace, mindfulness, and the impermanence of material structures - a Buddhist teaching ironically demonstrated by the disappearance of the temple halls that once protected it. ๐
Visiting Information
Operating Hours:
- April to September: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM
- October to March: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Visitors may enter up to 15 minutes before closing
- Interior of the statue: 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM ๐
Admission Fees:
- Temple grounds: ยฅ300 (adults), ยฅ150 (children ages 6-12)
- Children under 6: Free
- Interior of the Buddha statue: Additional ยฅ50 ๐
Getting There: From Tokyo: Take the JR Yokosuka Line from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station (approximately 1 hour). From Kamakura Station, transfer to the Enoden (Enoshima Electric Railway) and ride to Hase Station (3 stations, approximately 5 minutes). The temple is a 7-10 minute walk from Hase Station. ๐ ๐
Accessibility: The temple is well-equipped for visitors of restricted mobility, with a clearly signposted barrier-free route. ๐
The Experience
The centerpiece is the magnificent bronze statue itself. Take time to walk around the statue and view it from different angles - each perspective reveals different aspects of the craftsmanship. Note the serene facial expression, the detailed folds of the robes, and the unique blue-green patina that has developed over centuries of exposure to the elements. The statue sits in a meditation pose (dhyana mudra) with hands folded in the lap, symbolizing meditation and spiritual concentration. The slightly downcast eyes suggest contemplation and inner peace. ๐
For an additional ยฅ50, you can enter the interior of the statue through a small door in the back. Inside, you can see the internal structure and casting technique used to create this massive bronze work. The interior is dimly lit and reveals the hollow construction with visible casting seams and reinforcement structures. This unique experience offers insight into medieval Japanese bronze casting methods. Note: Photography inside the statue is restricted, and selfie sticks are prohibited in the interior. ๐ ๐
The compact temple grounds feature cherry trees (particularly beautiful during cherry blossom season), traditional stone lanterns lining the approach, a small prayer hall, and a temple shop offering omamori (protective charms), postcards, and souvenirs. ๐
Practical Visiting Tips
Best Time to Visit:
- Early morning (right at opening) for peaceful atmosphere and fewer crowds
- Late afternoon for softer lighting and photographic opportunities
- Weekdays over weekends to avoid crowds
- Cherry blossom season (late March to early April) for stunning pink blooms with the bronze statue
- Autumn (November-December) for vibrant red and gold foliage ๐
Photography Guidelines:
- Photography is freely allowed on the temple grounds
- No photography inside the Buddha statue interior
- No drones permitted in the temple precincts
- No selfie sticks inside the statue
- Best photo spots: front-center for classic view, right side near cherry tree for seasonal framing, early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting ๐
Cultural Etiquette:
- Maintain a quiet, respectful demeanor - this is an active religious site
- Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees preferred)
- Bow slightly when facing the Buddha before taking photos
- Observe any worshippers praying and give them space
- Remove hats when entering any temple buildings ๐
Money Matters:
- Bring cash - the temple and many nearby shops don't accept credit cards
- Have small bills and coins ready for admission and the optional interior visit ๐
What to Bring:
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection in summer (hat, sunscreen)
- Water bottle, especially in warm weather
- Camera with charged battery
Crowd Avoidance:
- Weekday mornings are quietest
- Avoid national holidays and Golden Week (late April/early May)
- Cherry blossom season and autumn foliage peak times are beautiful but crowded
- Large tour groups typically arrive mid-morning to early afternoon
Nearby Attractions:
- Hasedera Temple (5-10 minutes walk): Beautiful hillside temple with eleven-headed Kannon statue and ocean views, particularly stunning during hydrangea season ๐
- Hase neighborhood: Charming area with cafes, restaurants, and small shops
Integration with Itinerary: The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in serves as an ideal centerpiece for a Kamakura day trip itinerary. Most visitors combine it with: Morning at Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine near Kamakura Station and Komachi-dori, midday visit to the Great Buddha and Hasedera Temple via Enoden, and afternoon at Enoshima Island or return to Kamakura Station area for hiking trails. The compact size of Kamakura and the efficient Enoden railway make it easy to visit multiple sites in a single day from Tokyo. ๐
Location: View on Google Maps
Source: attractions/kamakura/great-buddha-kotoku-in.md