Kotoku-in: Temple of the Great Buddha
Discover the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in, a serene temple offering a glimpse into Japanese Buddhist art and history.
Kotoku-in, a Jodo sect Buddhist temple in Kamakura, is renowned for its iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu), a monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha. Dating back to 1252, the open-air statue has become a symbol of Kamakura and a National Treasure of Japan.
A brief summary to Kotoku-in
- 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, 4 Chome Hase, Kanagawa, 248-0016, JP
- Click to display
- Click to display
- Monday 8 am-5:30 pm
- Tuesday 8 am-5:30 pm
- Wednesday 8 am-5:30 pm
- Thursday 8 am-5:30 pm
- Friday 8 am-5:30 pm
- Saturday 8 am-5:30 pm
- Sunday 8 am-5:30 pm
Local tips
- Purchase incense sticks at the shop to the right of the Great Buddha and offer them at the altar before paying your respects.
- For a small additional fee, enter the interior of the Great Buddha to see its construction and the graffiti left by visitors.
- Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Hase-dera Temple, known for its beautiful gardens and views.
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing some walking on the temple grounds.
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Getting There
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Public Transport
From Kamakura Station, take the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden Line) to Hase Station, which is the third stop. The ride takes approximately 7 minutes. From Hase Station, Kotoku-in is a 7-minute walk. Alternatively, take the Enoshima-dentetsu Bus (bus stop #1) or the Keikyu Bus (bus stop #6) from the East Exit of Kamakura Station and get off at the Daibutsu-mae stop, which is about 10 minutes from Kamakura Station. The temple is a short walk from the bus stop. Enoden Line: Approximately ¥200-300. Bus: Approximately ¥200-300.
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Walking
From Hase Station, exit and walk straight. Follow the signs towards Kotoku-in. The walk is approximately 7 minutes and will take you through local streets. Cost: Free
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available from Kamakura Station. The taxi ride to Kotoku-in is approximately 1.8 km and takes around 3 minutes. Cost: Approximately ¥1,200-¥1,500.
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