Religious site
Kōtoku-in
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Kōtoku-in is a Jōdo-shū Buddhist temple famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha that has sat outdoors since a tsunami destroyed its hall in the 15th century. Cast in 1252, the statue stands 13.35 meters tall and weighs about 121 tons. Visitors can enter the hollow interior for a small fee. The serene grounds offer a contrast to the bustling city, and the statue's weathered patina and calm expression make it an enduring symbol of Kamakura.
Don't miss
- Stand before the 13-meter-tall Great Buddha, one of Japan's most iconic bronze statues.
- Go inside the statue's hollow interior to see how it was cast in segments.
- View the statue from the side to appreciate its subtle asymmetry and weathering over centuries.
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Kōtoku-in
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
Cheapest way inKamakura Walking Tour - The City of Shogun5★ · 138 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$35 per personSee dates →
Best full dayMount Fuji, Kamakura, Big Buddha, & Lake Ashi Day Trip4.9★ · 1,319 travelers~11 hoursFree cancellationFrom$49 per personSee dates →
Private & flexibleYour Own HANKO Name Seal Activity in Kamakura.5★ · 25 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$126 per personSee dates →More attractions in Kamakura