Kotoku-in
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Attractions > Other Cities and Areas > Shrines Temples > Kamakura
About | Access | Hotels & Lodging | Hours & Fees
Kotoku-in in Kamukura Japan by Lydia Liu (CC BY 2.0)
About
The Big and Famous Buddha Statue in Kamakura is called, Kamakura Daibutsu which is a colossal copper image of Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha), the principle image of Kotoku-in. It was cast in 1252 and originally was inside a large temple hall but the temple buildings were destroyed multiple times by typhoons and a tidal wave in the 14th and 15th centuries. The fact that it sits in the open air makes it unusual among large Buddha statues in Japan. The Great Buddha, designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, is some 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. Though in size it falls short of the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple at Nara (an image of Rushana-butsu [Vairochana Buddha]), it essentially retains its original form; as such it is an invaluable example of Japanese historical Buddhist art.
Access
Closest Train Station: Hase(Kanagawa)
4-2-28, Hase
Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016 Japan
Tel: 0467-22-0703
Most people just walk from Kamakura Station but you can get a little closer riding a local train.
- Walk from Kamakura Station: 30 - 40 min.
- Ride/Walk from Kamakura Station: Ride the Enoden line 3 stops to Hase Station. From Hase Station walk 10 - 15 min.
Hotels & Lodging
Recommended
View a full list of Hotels and Lodging in or nearby Kotoku-in.
Hours & Fees
Hours: April - September: 8:00 am - 5:30 pm, October - March: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Closed: No closing days
Cost: The general grounds of Shrines and Temples are free but may charge a small fee (a couple/few hundred yen) for special gardens, exhibitions, artifact viewing, etc.
Information presented is based on the time it was created. There may be changes since publication. Please confirm information by visiting the Official Website before visiting.
Resources
Website: Kotoku-in Homepage
