Kotoku-in: The temple of the Great Buddha of Kamakura
The Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha) at Kotoku-in Temple, Kamakura
Nestled in the historic city of Kamakura, Kotoku-in is a renowned Buddhist temple famous for its monumental outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha, commonly known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura. This serene temple offers visitors a unique experience, as the majestic Buddha statue sits peacefully in the open air, surrounded by nature. Kotoku-in is located at 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture 248-0016, Japan, and can be reached at +81 467-22-0703.
History and origins of the Great Buddha statue
The iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura has a rich history dating back to around 1252, during Japan's Kamakura period. Originally, a wooden statue of the Buddha was built on the site, but it was damaged by a storm. To replace it, the bronze statue was cast, using funds raised by Lady Inada no Tsubone and the Buddhist priest Jōkō of Tōtōmi. The hall housing 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.
Characteristics and dimensions of the monumental statue
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is an impressive sight, standing 13.35 meters tall and weighing approximately 93 tons, making it the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan after the one at Todaiji Temple in Nara. The statue is hollow, and visitors can view the interior, where many have left graffiti over the years. The dimensions of the statue are awe-inspiring, with the face alone measuring 2.35 meters in length, the eyes 1.0 meter wide, and the ears 1.90 meters long.
Kotoku-in Temple, Kamakura
Daibutsu, Kotoku-in Temple, Kamakura
Visiting Kotoku-in temple and the Great Buddha
Visitors to Kotoku-in can explore the temple grounds and marvel at the Great Buddha statue. The temple is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm from April to September, and from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm from October to March. Admission to the temple grounds costs 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children aged 6-12. For an additional 50 yen, visitors can enter the interior of the Great Buddha statue. It is important to note that smoking and flying drones are not permitted on the temple grounds.
How to get to Kotoku-in temple
Kotoku-in temple is easily accessible by public transportation. Visitors can take the Enoden Line to Hase Station, which is just a 400-meter walk from the temple. Alternatively, the Enoshima-dentetsu bus and Keikyu bus both stop at Daibutsu-mae, right in front of the temple. For those driving, there is a small parking area for handicapped visitors, but it must be reserved in advance. Other visitors are advised to use nearby parking lots.
Enoden Train, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture
Other noteworthy places near Kotoku-in
After visiting the Great Buddha, visitors can explore other interesting sites within walking distance of Kotoku-in. Hase-dera Temple, known for its 9.18-meter tall wooden statue of Kannon, is just a 5-minute walk away. Kosokuji Temple, with its beautiful gardens and traditional architecture, is also nearby. For those interested in hiking, the Daibutsu hiking course offers scenic trails connecting Kotoku-in with other notable temples in the area, such as Jochi-ji, Genjiyama Park, and Yamaguchi-an. The charming island of Enoshima is also just a short trip from Hase Station.
