Kōtoku-in: The Great Buddha of Kamakura
Visit Kōtoku-in in Kamakura to witness the iconic Great Buddha, a monumental bronze statue and a National Treasure of Japan, standing for centuries.
Kōtoku-in, formally known as Daiizan Kōtokuin Shōjōsen-ji, is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The temple is most famous for the Kamakura Daibutsu, a large bronze statue of Amitābha Buddha, which is a designated National Treasure. Originally, a wooden statue was constructed in 1243, but it was damaged by a storm. The bronze statue that stands today was completed in 1252. The hall that housed the statue was destroyed multiple times by storms and a tsunami in 1498, after which the Great Buddha has been standing in the open air. The Great Buddha of Kamakura is one of Japan's most iconic sights. The bronze statue is approximately 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. Visitors can also pay a small fee to enter the interior of the statue and see the interior. Kōtoku-in is a must-see destination for tourists visiting Kamakura, offering a serene and awe-inspiring experience.
Local tips
- Purchase incense sticks for 100 JPY at the shop to the right of the Great Buddha and purify yourself before paying your respects.
- Pay the additional 50 JPY to enter the interior of the Great Buddha statue for a unique perspective.
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the largest crowds.
- Check out Hase-dera Temple, which is only a 5-minute walk from Kōtoku-in.
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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Train
From Kamakura Station, take the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden Line) to Hase Station, which is the third stop. The ride takes about 7 minutes. From Hase Station, it is a 7-minute walk to Kōtoku-in.
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Bus
From the East Exit of Kamakura Station, take the Enoshima-dentetsu Bus (bus stop #1) or the Keikyu Bus (bus stop #6) and get off at the Daibutsu-mae stop. The bus ride takes approximately 10 minutes. From the Daibutsu-mae bus stop, it is a 2-minute walk to Kōtoku-in.
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Taxi
From Kamakura Station, a taxi ride to Kōtoku-in takes about 6 minutes and costs approximately ¥2,300-¥2,800.
