The Great Buddha of Kamakura: A Bronze Giant Under the Open Sky
How to visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura at Kotoku-in: its history, stepping inside the statue, nearby temples and an easy day trip from Tokyo.
Quick answer
- What it is: a huge bronze statue of Amida Buddha at Kotoku-in temple in Kamakura.
- Size: about 11 metres tall, not counting its stone base.
- Status: a National Treasure of Japan.
- Time needed: 45 minutes at the temple, or a full day exploring Kamakura.
- Best time: early on a weekday morning, before school groups arrive.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura sits calmly with folded hands and half-closed eyes, weathered green by centuries of rain and sea air. He once had a great wooden hall around him. Today he sits under the open sky, which makes him all the more striking.
Why the Great Buddha is a wonder
Kamakura was Japan's political capital in the late 12th and 13th centuries, and work on a giant bronze Buddha began here in the mid-1200s. It was cast in sections and joined together, an extraordinary feat for the time.
The hall that once covered the statue was destroyed by storms and, by tradition, a tsunami in the late 1400s. It was never rebuilt, and the Buddha has sat outdoors ever since.
Stepping inside
For a small extra fee you can usually walk inside the statue and see how the bronze sections were joined. It is a short visit, but it shows just how thin the metal skin is.
Behind the statue hang a pair of giant straw sandals, made by children in Ibaraki Prefecture as an offering so the Buddha can walk the country.
Around Kamakura
| Spot | What you see | Time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Kotoku-in | The Great Buddha and its quiet grounds | 45 minutes |
| Hase-dera | A hillside temple with sea views and a tall Kannon statue | 1 hour |
| Tsurugaoka Hachimangu | Kamakura's main shrine and its long approach | 1 hour |
| Komachi-dori | A busy shopping street of snacks and souvenirs | 45 minutes |
| Hokoku-ji | A small temple with a peaceful bamboo grove | 45 minutes |
When to go
- Early morning: the temple opens early and is quietest before 9am.
- June: hydrangeas bloom at Hase-dera and other temples, so expect crowds.
- Autumn: red maples and mild weather from late November.
- Weekdays: far calmer than weekends, when day-trippers from Tokyo arrive.
Our tip: Walk to Hase-dera after the Buddha. It is only about 10 minutes away, and its terrace looks out over the town to the sea.
Getting there
- From Tokyo: JR Yokosuka Line trains run to Kamakura Station in about 1 hour.
- To the Buddha: change to the Enoden line for Hase Station, then walk about 7 to 10 minutes.
- From Yokohama: trains reach Kamakura in about 25 minutes.
Visiting respectfully
- Speak quietly, as Kotoku-in is an active temple.
- Photography is not allowed inside the statue.
- Do not climb on the base or touch the bronze.
- Check the temple's official site for current fees and hours before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is the Great Buddha of Kamakura?
The bronze statue is about 11 metres tall, and higher still on its stone base.
Can you go inside the Great Buddha?
Yes, usually for a small fee. Check the temple's site for current opening hours inside the statue.
Why is the Great Buddha outdoors?
Its wooden hall was destroyed by storms and, by tradition, a tsunami in the late 1400s, and was never rebuilt.
How do you get to the Great Buddha from Tokyo?
Take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura, then the Enoden line to Hase Station and walk about 10 minutes.
Ise Grand Shrine
Japan's holiest shrine, rebuilt in fresh cypress every 20 years for over a thousand years.
We check this guide regularly. Prices, hours and rules in Japan can change, so confirm with the official sources below before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.