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Situated in the ancient capital of Kamakura, the "Great Buddha of Kamakura" is a symbol of the city, and a part of the temple grounds.
As the principal object of worship at Kotoku-in temple (officially known as Daii-san Kotoku-in Shojosen-ji), the Buddhist statue of Amida Nyorai enjoys tremendous popularity among the famous spots of Kamakura.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is familiar for the intensity of its presence.
With a height of approximately 11.312 meters and a weight of about 121 tons, it boasts an overwhelming presence befitting the name of Dai-butsu, or Great Buddha.
Be sure to have a look at the powerful pair of Nio statues guarding the Nio-mon gate.
Another not-to-be-missed sight is the massive "straw sandals" displayed on the inner walls of the Kotoku-in corridor. Measuring about 1.8 meters long, 0.9 meters wide, and weighing approximately 45 kilograms, it seems to be just the right size for a Great Buddha.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura
Kotoku-in Nio Statue
Kotoku-in Straw Sandals
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
Yes, we sell paid brochures at our directly managed store (only in English).
Q
Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?
Yes.
Q
Is parking available?
Not available.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Some reviews are AI-translated.
When you come to Kamakura, you have to pay your respects to the Great Buddha!
The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in has weathered the years, yet still looks solemn and serene, giving off a dignified presence.
I previously saw on a TV show that the Great Buddha is given an annual “cleansing,” with specialists brought in to clean the statue. The spiral curls on its head are cleaned especially carefully, making it a major undertaking.
The Great Buddha also has a little secret—there are actually two windows on its back! These windows aren't decorative. They're there to ventilate the inside of the statue and let in light, while also helping reduce moisture for easier maintenance and preservation. That's another interesting fact I learned from the show.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a classic attraction you have to visit when you come to Kamakura! As you enter Kotoku-in Temple, the enormous bronze statue of Amida Buddha sits quietly outdoors, and the first sight of it is truly impressive. The Great Buddha is about 13 meters tall and weighs 121 tons. After earthquakes and a tsunami destroyed the Buddha hall, it became the unique open-air sight it is today. For a small fee, you can also go inside the Great Buddha and see the exquisite casting techniques of ancient times. After your visit, it’s also convenient to walk over to Hasedera Temple and see two of Kamakura’s classic attractions in one trip!
Kotoku-in Temple, home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, is one of Kamakura's most iconic attractions. The main draw is the towering Great Buddha. Seeing it in person, its impressive presence left a strong impression, while its solemn expression made me feel calm.
After entering the temple grounds, you can admire the details of the Great Buddha up close and experience the long history of Buddhist culture. The surroundings are simple and peaceful, creating a pleasant atmosphere alongside the Buddha's solemn presence that makes you want to stop and take it all in.
Kamakura has such a relaxed, slow-paced vibe overall, so even coming from Yokohama, the trip never felt rushed.
As one of Kamakura’s symbols, I missed it last time because my schedule was too tight. This time, on my return trip to Kamakura, I made it my top priority.
I read a bunch of reviews beforehand, so I knew what to expect. The grounds are small and it’s basically centered around the Great Buddha—you can finish in about 15 minutes.
Worth seeing for a first visit, but I wouldn’t really want to go a second time.
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