Kamakura Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu)

Photo: MI7 / Shutterstock.com

Overview

Address

4-2-28, Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture

( Map ) ( Directions )

Hours

8:00 - 17:00 Closed now

Opening Hours

Monday
8:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
8:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
8:00 - 17:00
Thursday
8:00 - 17:00
Friday
8:00 - 17:00
Saturday
8:00 - 17:00
Sunday
8:00 - 17:00
Holidays
8:00 - 17:00

Price

Free

Phone

0467-22-0703

Website

kotoku-in.jp

Highlights

Gilded

See the fleck of gold leaf on the Daibutsu’s right cheek? The original Daibutsu was entirely covered in gold. Kamakura’s Daibutsu was made of bronze (68.7% copper, 9.3% tin, 19.6% lead) and so it was impossible to plate using the techniques of the era. Instead, they attached gold leaves directly to the body.

Kotoku-in

The length between the inner and outer corner of the eye is about one meter. The ears are 1.95 meters tall. This impressive statue is 13.35 meters tall and weighs 121 tons. It was created step by step, in more than ten incremental pouring, starting from the bottom and moving up to the head. You can even see the linear borders of each pouring.

Kotoku-in

You might notice the several stones scattered around the statue. The surface of these stones is flat. They are thought to have been the foundation stones of the building that once housed Daibutsu. That building was destroyed and rebuilt before they finally decided to leave Daibutsu outside under the moon and the sun. At one time, there were thirty-two bronze lotus petals at the base of the statue, but today only four remain, and they are no longer in place.

Structure in Kamakura Daibutsu

From 8 am to 4:30 pm, venture inside the Daibutsu for only 20 yen. Simply drop your coins in the box at the Diabutsu's back entrance. Marvel at the inner ringers of the Daibutsu and see how it was cast, layer by layer. Visit your own tranquility within this solemn interior.

UNESCO World Heritage

Proposed as one of 22 sites in Kamakura worthy of being called a UNESCO World Heritage site, you may want to take a look before the crowds arrive. As an icon of Japan’s spiritual and religious history, prepare to be moved.

Kamakura

This gorgeous coastal city is a must-visit destination in its own right, located only one hour, 30 minutes south of central Tokyo. Relax in beachside cafes, ride the waves with the locals, or simply get away from the hustle and bustle of the capital for a day.

Enoshima

Keep the coastal celebration going by pairing Kamakura with a visit to Enoshima, a unique island boasting panoramic ocean views from the Enoshima Sea Candle, the dragon-inhabited Enoshima Iwaya Caves and many more attractions and shops.

Buddha’s great sandals

These large straw sandals, known as the Owaraji, have been donated to Kotoku-in Temple for over half a century. They’re remade every three years and are believed to help the Great Buddha travel throughout Japan, bringing happiness to all people.

General Amenities

Information Counter
Free guides/pamphlets
Restroom

What's unique

Japan Heritage

Access

You can reach Daibustu in three ways, by the Enoden (tram), by bus, and by foot. If you choose the Eno-den, please get off at Hase Station. After passing through the ticket gate, turn right and walk for 7 minutes. If you take a bus, the bus will leave from an East gate terminal (#1 or #6). Pay when you get off at the front of the bus. The fare will be 190 yen. Get off at the “Daibutsu-mae” stop, the one after Hase Kannon. This bus stop is a bit tricky. After you get off the bus, walk back in the direction your bus just came from, and cross the street at the signal. The entrance to Daibutsu is on the left. If you get there in the afternoon, you’ll be fine—just follow the crowds. But if you are an early bird, and no one is there in the morning, it might be confusing. Finally, if you follow a map, walking to Daibutsu is quite easy. You can enjoy a nice stroll. The back streets of Kamakura are beautiful!