Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
高徳院（鎌倉大仏）
Kotoku-in, home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, is one of the city's signature sightseeing spots. The National Treasure seated Amida Nyorai statue stands about 11.3 meters tall and weighs roughly 121 tons. It once stood inside a great hall, but after the building was lost to typhoons and other disasters, the Buddha has sat in the open air ever since. Visitors can even step inside the statue to see the casting marks up close.
About the Great Buddha
Standing 11.3 meters tall and weighing 121 tons, the seated Amida Nyorai statue began construction around 1252. It was originally housed in a great hall, but the building was swept away by a major earthquake and tsunami in the 14th century, and the Buddha has sat beneath the open sky for over 700 years since. Its face alone is 2.35 meters long, with eyes 1 meter wide — a scale that only truly registers when you stand before it.
Viewing the interior
The interior of the Buddha is open to the public as the "hollow interior," and for an additional ¥20, visitors can step inside. Windows on either side let in light, allowing a close-up view of the casting seams and repair marks. Looking up from inside the Great Buddha is a uniquely memorable experience.
Nearby sights
A 10-minute walk from Hase Station and within walking distance of Hasedera Temple, the area also includes Goryo Shrine (Gongoro Shrine) nearby, making a popular half-day route around the neighborhood. Souvenir shops and sweet shops line the approach.
Seasonal Highlights
🌸 Spring (Mar-May)
During cherry-blossom season the grounds are filled with flowers, beautifully complementing the Great Buddha. A pleasant time for a leisurely stroll in the clear spring air.
🌿 Summer (Jun-Aug)
The Great Buddha set against a blue summer sky makes for a striking, seasonal sight. An early-morning visit is recommended; watch out for crowds and heat in the afternoon.
🍁 Autumn (Sep-Nov)
The trees on the grounds turn color around the Great Buddha. Comfortable weather makes this an ideal season for sightseeing.
❄️ Winter (Dec-Feb)
Clear air and good visibility make the Buddha's expression stand out sharply. New Year's visiting season is crowded, but otherwise it's relatively easy to visit at leisure.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 30-60 minutes
- Crowd levels
- A hugely popular spot drawing over 2 million visitors a year. Weekends and holidays from 11:00-15:00 are especially crowded. A visit right at opening on a weekday (8:00-9:00) is recommended.
- Best time to visit
- Right after opening, around 8:00 a.m. The light direction is good and there are fewer people for photos.
| Address | 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa |
|---|---|
| Hours | 8:00-17:30 (until 17:00 from October to March) |
| Admission | Adults ¥300, elementary school students ¥150 (interior viewing an additional ¥20) |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 10 min walk from Hase Station (Enoshima Electric Railway)
- 35 min walk from Kamakura Station (On foot or by bus)