The Great Buddha
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is a monumental bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha designated as a national treasure by the Japanese government. It is located in the Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura. Every year, thousands of tourists visit the Great Buddha to admire its grandeur and learn about its history and significance in Japanese culture.
The Great Buddha is believed to have been cast in 1252 during the Kamakura period. It reflects the beauty and serenity of Mahayana Buddhism and has been a symbol of peace and tranquility for centuries.
It has stood the test of time, surviving earthquakes and tsunamis that have hit the region over the centuries. In fact, the statue was once housed in a temple that was washed away by a tsunami in the 15th century. Despite the destruction of the temple, the Great Buddha remained standing, a testament to its resilience and strength. It has been standing in the open air since then.
Standing at a height of 11.3 meters and weighing approximately 121 tons, the Great Buddha of Kamakura is one of the biggest bronze statues, slighter smaller than the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple in Nara. It is said to be made up of around 437 bronze plates and is hollow inside where there is a viewing platform for visitors.
Visitors can climb up a narrow staircase inside the statue to reach a small observation deck located in the Buddha’s chest. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area and gain a unique perspective on the majestic statue.
Incidentally, when former President Obama visited the Great Buddha in November 2010, he wanted to have the matcha ice candy he had during his first visit when he was six years old. He got his wish and had the matcha ice candy! Ever since his visit, the matcha ice candy and match ice cream are extremely popular.
Hours: 8:00 to 17:30 (April to September), 8:00 to 17:00 (October-March)
No closing days
Admission: general ¥300, children (age 6-12) ¥150, fee to enter interior of statue ¥50
Located a 5-10 minute walk from Hase station on the Enoden train
Hasedera Temple
Hasedera, a Buddhist temple, is one of the oldest temples in Kamakura dating from the 8th century. It is famous for housing the 11-headed statue of Kannon, one of the largest wooden statues in Japan. It is housed in the temple’s main building. There is also a small museum where the temple’s treasures are exhibited.
The temple is built along a hill and the main buildings stand along the slope. As you climb up the slope, you will see hundreds of small statues called “Ojizo-sama”, the patron saint of deceased children. They are believed to help the souls of children reach paradise.
From the observation platform at the top you can get a beautiful view of the coast. The grounds are well taken care of and seasonal flowers are always in bloom. Camellia and plum blossoms in the winter, wisterias, peonies, cherry blossoms and azaleas in the spring, irises and hydrangeas in the early summer, lilies and fragrant olives in October, equinox flowers in September. The variety of plants and flowers is truly amazing! The fall foliage of the maple trees is beautiful too. For nature lovers, just walking the grounds is always a delight.
Hours 8:00 to 17:00 (until 17:30 from April to June)
No closing days
Admission ¥400 general and middle school students and up, elementary school students ¥100
5-minute walk from Hase station on the Enoden train
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