Kōtoku-in: Temple of the Great Buddha
Visit Kōtoku-in in Kamakura to witness the iconic Great Buddha, a monumental bronze statue and a National Treasure of Japan.
Nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, Kōtoku-in is a renowned Buddhist temple, principally known for its monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha, or Kamakura Daibutsu. This serene temple offers a unique experience, as the majestic Buddha statue sits peacefully in the open air, surrounded by natural beauty. The Great Buddha of Kamakura has a rich history, dating back to around 1252 during the Kamakura period. Originally, a wooden statue of the Buddha was erected on the site, but it was damaged in a storm. Subsequently, a bronze statue was cast, with funds raised by Lady Inada no Tsubone and the Buddhist priest Jōkō of Tōtōmi. The hall that housed the statue was destroyed several times over the centuries by storms and a tsunami, leading to the Great Buddha standing in the open air since the 15th century. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is an impressive sight, standing 13.35 meters tall and weighing approximately 93 tons. It is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan. The statue is hollow, and visitors can view the interior. Traces of gold leaf can still be seen near the statue's ears, remnants of when the statue was gilded. Kōtoku-in belongs to the Jōdo sect of Buddhism. The temple welcomes visitors of all backgrounds, bridging faith and culture.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid crowds.
- Pay the small additional fee to enter the interior of the Great Buddha statue.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Hase-dera Temple.
- Remember to bring cash for admission and any purchases at nearby shops.
A brief summary to Kotoku-in
- 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, 4 Chome Hase, Kanagawa, 248-0016, JP
- +81467-22-0703
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kamakura Station, take the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden Line) to Hase Station. The ride is approximately 7 minutes and the temple is a 7-minute walk from Hase Station. The Enoden Line fare is around ¥270-¥430. Alternatively, from Kamakura Station East Exit, take the Enoshima-dentetsu Bus (bus stop #1) or the Keikyu Bus (bus stop #6) and get off at the Daibutsu-mae stop, which is approximately a 2-minute walk to the temple.
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Walking
From Hase Station, exit and walk straight. Follow the signs to Kōtoku-in Temple. The walk is approximately 7 minutes. Be aware that the sidewalks can be narrow and crowded.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Kamakura Station. The taxi ride to Kōtoku-in takes about 6 minutes and costs approximately ¥2300-¥2800. Address: 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan
