Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

Kotoku-in is renowned for its monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands at 13.35 meters tall and weighs approximately 93 tons. The statue dates back to 1252 and represents one of Japan's most important cultural treasures. Visitors can enter the statue's interior for a unique perspective on its construction. The temple grounds provide a tranquil setting for reflection amidst beautiful Japanese gardens.

Things to Know

Welcome to Kotoku-in, home of the magnificent Great Buddha of Kamakura. This serene temple offers a peaceful retreat and one of Japan's most iconic spiritual experiences.

Opening Hours

Monday

8:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Friday

8:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM – 4:45 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM – 4:45 PM

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Discovering the Great Buddha

Kotoku-in, home to the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura, is a must-visit destination for those exploring Kamakura, Japan. This magnificent bronze statue, representing Amida Buddha, stands at approximately 13.35 meters tall and weighs around 93 tons, making it one of the most impressive examples of Japanese Buddhist art.

Its serene expression and monumental size have captivated travelers and locals alike for centuries. Visitors planning a trip to Kamakura, Japan, often marvel at how this historic statue has withstood the test of time, surviving natural disasters and remaining an enduring symbol of tranquility and spiritual reflection.

Exploring Kotoku-in

Situated in a peaceful temple garden, Kotoku-in offers a unique opportunity to dive into Japan’s cultural heritage amidst the lush surroundings of Kamakura. For frequent travelers and travel enthusiasts, discovering the Great Buddha is an essential activity, and it's especially convenient given its proximity to central Kamakura and accessible public transportation options.

Budget-Friendly Travel

Those looking for cheap activities in Kamakura, Japan will find visiting Kotoku-in a budget-friendly choice as the entrance fee is modest, allowing tourists to enjoy a profound experience without rushing.

Additional Activities in Kamakura

In addition to admiring the Great Buddha, visitors can explore various things to do in Kamakura, Japan, such as strolling through nearby bamboo groves, visiting other historic temples, or wandering down Komachi Street for local snacks and souvenirs.

This area offers a balanced mix of cultural enrichment and leisurely exploration, ideal for travelers who appreciate authenticity without overwhelming crowds or high costs.

Planning Your Trip with Technology

An efficient way to organize your visit to Kotoku-in, along with other activities in Kamakura, Japan, is by using an AI Travel Agent or a Trip Planner App. These digital tools can help identify cheap flights to Japan, suggest the best cheap activities in Kamakura, Japan, and tailor your itinerary based on personal preferences and travel goals.

Such AI Travel solutions save time for busy travelers while enhancing the overall experience with insightful recommendations and up-to-date information.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kotoku-in and the Great Buddha are not just iconic landmarks but also gateways to the rich cultural tapestry that Kamakura offers. Whether you are a history buff, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone seeking a peaceful retreat on your trip to Kamakura, Japan, including this attraction in your plans is definitely worthwhile. Leveraging an AI Travel Agent can streamline this process, helping ensure your visit to the Great Buddha and surrounding sites is both enjoyable and efficient.

Amenities

Restrooms
Souvenir shop
Information plaques
Wheelchair accessible paths
Prayer and meditation areas

Reviews

Excellent

27.9k reviews

The Great Buddha is absolutely breathtaking. Much larger than expected and the peaceful atmosphere makes it worth the visit. The surrounding gardens are beautiful and well-maintained. A must-see when in Kamakura.

Location

4-chōme-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016, Japan

Annual Visitor Count

1,500,000

Kotoku-in is one of Japan's most visited Buddhist temples, attracting approximately 1.5 million visitors annually. The Great Buddha statue draws both domestic pilgrims and international tourists seeking spiritual experiences and cultural immersion. Its popularity has grown steadily as Kamakura becomes an increasingly popular day-trip destination from Tokyo.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kotoku-in is during spring (March-May) when cherry blossoms bloom around the temple grounds, or autumn (September-November) for vibrant fall foliage. Early mornings on weekdays are ideal to avoid crowds. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter offers smaller crowds but colder temperatures. The temple is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn provide the most photogenic conditions.

Accessibility Notes

Kotoku-in is wheelchair accessible with paved pathways leading to the main Buddha statue. The entrance to the statue's interior has steps and is not wheelchair accessible. Accessible restrooms are available on site. The temple grounds are relatively flat and easy to navigate for visitors with mobility concerns. Wheelchairs are not provided, so visitors should bring their own if needed.

Cultural/Religious Notes

As an active Buddhist temple, visitors should maintain respectful behavior. Speaking quietly and dressing modestly is appreciated. While not strictly enforced, removing shoes is customary when entering temple buildings. Photography is permitted but avoid using flash during ceremonies. Donations are welcome but not required. The temple is a place of worship, so loud conversations and disruptive behavior should be avoided.

Famous Events and Dates

The temple hosts regular Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year, with special events during Obon festival in August. The Buddha's birthday celebration in April features flower decorations and special prayers. New Year's Day sees many Japanese visitors for hatsumode (first shrine visit of the year). Regular meditation sessions are held for visitors interested in Buddhist practices. Seasonal festivals celebrate cherry blossoms in spring and autumn colors.

Historical Significance

Kotoku-in dates back to the 13th century and represents the Kamakura period's religious and artistic achievements. The Great Buddha survived numerous natural disasters, including tsunamis that destroyed the original temple buildings. It stands as a testament to Japanese Buddhist art and craftsmanship. The statue has become an important symbol of Japanese cultural resilience and spiritual heritage, recognized as a National Treasure of Japan.

Kid/Family Friendly

Kotoku-in is very family-friendly with open spaces for children to explore safely. The impressive Buddha statue captures children's imagination. The grounds are stroller-friendly with paved pathways. Educational plaques provide interesting historical information for older children. No specific children's facilities, but the open layout allows families to move comfortably. Elderly visitors will appreciate the flat terrain and numerous benches for resting.

Photography Allowed

Photography is permitted throughout the temple grounds, including of the Great Buddha statue. Visitors are welcome to take photos for personal use. Commercial photography requires special permission. Flash photography is allowed but be respectful of others meditating or praying. Tripods may be used but should not obstruct pathways. Drone photography is prohibited without official authorization.

Time Required to Explore

Most visitors spend 45-60 minutes exploring Kotoku-in thoroughly. This allows time to appreciate the Great Buddha from various angles, walk the temple grounds, visit the souvenir shop, and take photographs. Those wishing to enter the Buddha's interior should add 15-20 minutes. Serious photographers or meditation practitioners might spend 2 hours. Combine with nearby Hase-dera temple for a half-day Kamakura experience.

Transportation and Accessibility

Kotoku-in is easily accessible from Tokyo via the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station (about 1 hour), then transfer to the Enoden Line to Hase Station (5 minutes). From Hase Station, it's a 7-minute walk to the temple. Limited parking is available for those driving. The temple is wheelchair accessible via paved paths. Numerous buses also serve the area from Kamakura Station.

Weather Sensitivity

The outdoor nature of Kotoku-in means weather significantly affects visits. Sunny days provide the best experience and photography conditions. Rainy days require umbrellas but offer fewer crowds. The temple remains open in light rain. Typhoon season (August-October) may cause temporary closures. Winter visits can be chilly but offer beautiful light for photography. There's limited indoor space, so check weather forecasts before visiting.

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