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, nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, is a Buddhist temple famed for its Great Buddha, a colossal bronze statue of Amida Buddha. Constructed around 1252, the statue replaced an earlier wooden Buddha that was damaged by a storm. The hall that once housed the statue was destroyed by a tsunami in 1498, leaving the Great Buddha to stand serenely in the open air. The Great Buddha stands at an impressive 13.35 meters tall and weighs approximately 93 tons. Visitors can even venture inside the hollow statue to observe its construction and the graffiti left by past visitors. Kotoku-in belongs to the Jodo sect, a Buddhist tradition emphasizing that anyone can achieve salvation through chanting the name of Amida Buddha. The temple is easily accessible and offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience for all who visit. Beyond the Great Buddha, Kotoku-in offers a glimpse into Japanese Buddhist art and history. The temple grounds also feature a traditional hand-washing pavilion and small shops selling incense and amulets. Nearby, visitors can explore other notable temples like Hasedera or enjoy hiking trails in the surrounding hills.
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.
A brief summary to Kotoku-in
- 4 Chome-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, 4 Chome Hase, Kanagawa, 248-0016, JP
- +81467-22-0703
- Visit website
- 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
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.
