Kotokuin Temple (Kamakura Daibutsu)

Map

History & Origins

Construction is said to have begun around 1252 (the 4th year of Kencho), though many details, including who commissioned the casting and the circumstances, are unclear. It was originally housed in a Great Buddha Hall, but the hall was lost to large earthquakes and typhoons in the 14th and 15th centuries, and the statue now sits in the open air. It is designated a National Historic Site as the 'Kamakura Daibutsuden Site.'

Highlights

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (bronze seated Amida Nyorai) is, along with the Great Buddha of Todaiji in Nara, one of Japan's representative great Buddha statues, and is designated a National Treasure. The experience of entering the inside of the Great Buddha for a 50-yen fee is especially popular. The grounds are a calm space centered on the Great Buddha, where you can worship at a leisurely pace.

Visitor Guide

About a 9-minute walk from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway. Hours are 8:00-17:30 from April to September and 8:00-17:00 from October to March (the interior of the Great Buddha closes at 16:30). Admission is 300 yen for general visitors and 150 yen for junior high, elementary and younger students (the Great Buddha interior costs an additional 50 yen). Allow about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Best Season

The temple can be visited year-round, but early winter (December-January), when it is relatively uncrowded, allows a calm visit. In the hydrangea season (June), many people combine it with the neighboring Hasedera.

Blessings

Annual Events

• January

  New Year Events

  Many worshippers come for the New Year first visit and celebrate the new year before the Great Buddha.

• April

  Spring Grand Festival

  A memorial service held on the grounds in spring, praying for the Great Buddha of Kamakura and for the peace of the many worshippers.

• Year-round

  Daibutsu Tainai Haikan (Visit Inside the Great Buddha)

  For an additional fee of 50 yen, visitors can enter the interior of the Great Buddha, and this is offered year-round.

Travel Plan

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