Kotoku-in Great Buddha
Kamakura, Kanagawa, Japan
In the heart of Kamakura stands one of Japan's most iconic religious monuments: the Kotoku-in Great Buddha, a monumental bronze image of Amida Buddha that has…
What it's like here
In the heart of Kamakura stands one of Japan's most iconic religious monuments: the Kotoku-in Great Buddha, a monumental bronze image of Amida Buddha that has sat in the open air for centuries. Cast beginning around 1252, this hollow bronze figure rises approximately 11.3 metres and commands the temple's precinct from its central platform, designated a National Treasure of Japan. Originally sheltered within a great hall, the statue has weathered the elements since the hall's destruction, with foundation stones scattered across the grounds as silent witnesses to the structure that once enclosed it. What makes a visit here so distinctive is the statue's outdoor setting and the rare opportunity to step inside the Buddha itself, viewing the hollow interior and the evidence of its sophisticated casting technique. The temple garden around it shifts with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, flame-coloured foliage in autumn, and delicate camellia and daffodil displays at other times of year. Walking through the compact precinct, you experience not just a monument to faith, but a tangible connection to medieval craftsmanship and the enduring relationship between nature and sacred space that defines so many Japanese temple visits.
Highlights
- The Kamakura Daibutsu itself—a National Treasure bronze statue standing approximately 11.3 metres tall
- The option to enter the hollow interior of the Great Buddha and see its casting from within
- Open-air viewing of the seated Buddha on its platform, framed by the temple garden
- Foundation stones from the former great hall that once housed the statue
- Seasonal plantings including cherry blossoms, azaleas, autumn foliage, camellias, and daffodils
Good to know
The grounds are open 8:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. from April through September and 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. October through March; last entry is 15 minutes before closing. The interior of the statue has separate hours (8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m., entry ending 10 minutes before closing). Admission is 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children aged 6–12; entering the statue costs an additional 50 yen. The temple is accessible by a seven-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoden line, or by bus from Kamakura Station followed by about a one-minute walk. The temple has no general on-site parking; use nearby public facilities instead. Wheelchair-accessible facilities include ramps to the main path, accessible restrooms, and souvenir shops.
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Questions people ask
Can you go inside the Great Buddha?
Yes, you can pay an additional 50 yen per person to enter the hollow interior of the statue and see how it was cast.
How do you get to Kotoku-in from Kamakura Station?
Buses to Daibutsu-mae take approximately 10 minutes from Kamakura Station, followed by about a one-minute walk to the temple.
When is the best time to visit for seasonal flowers?
The temple displays cherry blossoms in spring, azaleas in early summer, autumn foliage in fall, and camellias and daffodils at other times of year.
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Last verified: August 12, 2026