Kotokuin (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
The seated figure is that of Amitabha Buddha, worshipped by Japanese Buddhists as a deity of salvation. The statue was completed in 1252 after the site’s previous wooden Buddha and its hall were damaged in a tsunami in 1248. Hundreds of years later, you can still see traces of the original gold leafing. The identity of the artist who cast the statue remains a mystery.
The temple of Kotokuin where the Buddha statue resides falls under the Jodo Sect of Buddhism, the most widely practiced branch of the religion in Japan. While the Great Buddha is the real draw, visitors can tour the temple grounds to see the four bronze lotus petals originally cast as part of a pedestal for the Buddha, as well as the cornerstones of the hall that originally sheltered the statue.
Tours & Tickets
Kamakura and Tokyo Bay Day Trip from Tokyo
Explore the countryside outside Tokyo on a guided day trip to Kamakura. You’ll see the Great Buddha of Kamakura, and tour ancient temples and shrines such as ... Read more
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Half-Day Tour of Kamakura from Tokyo
Your guide will take you on a concise tour of Kamakura, a delightful, historical city with many important and famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. It ... Read more
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
One Day Tour of Kamakura from Tokyo
Kamakura is a delightful, historical city with Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. It takes less than one hour from Tokyo. In addition, Kamakura is known for ... Read more
Location: Kamakura, Japan
Duration: 7 hours (approx.)
Kamakura Walking Tour: Explore Nature and History
Kamakura where ‘Kamakura shogunate’ is the first Japanese Samurai administration had started has a lot of historical temples, shrines, and other ... Read more
Location: Kamakura, Japan
Duration: 5 hours (approx.)
Private Kamakura Custom One Day Tour by Chartered Vehicle from Tokyo
This is a private tour of Kamakura by a chartered vehicle. Using this service, you can charter a limousine, van or bus, whichever is most suitable for your ... Read more
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Duration: 8 hours (approx.)
