About
Kotokuin Temple, in the coastal city of Kamakura in Japan's Kanto Region, is best known for the Great Buddha of Kamakura, a bronze statue that has become one of the country's most recognizable Buddhist monuments. The figure dates to 1252 and is often called simply the Daibutsu.
What to expect
The statue sits in the open grounds of the temple, so a visit is largely about standing before it and taking in its scale and calm expression. Many visitors spend time walking slowly around it, looking at the folds of the robes and the details of the face. Because the monument has stood for centuries, it makes a quiet and reflective stop even on a busy day.
- Setting: an open outdoor area, not an enclosed hall
- Main draw: the bronze Great Buddha statue, dating to 1252
- Also known as: the Great Buddha of Kamakura
Getting there and around
The temple is at 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura, Kanagawa 248-0016. Kamakura is easy to reach from Tokyo, and the temple works well as part of a day exploring the city. Nearby, you will find other temples, shrines and streets lined with local shops, so the visit can easily be combined with a walk through the wider neighbourhood.
Planning your visit
If you have questions before you go, the temple can be reached by phone at +81-467-22-0703. Because Kamakura is popular with day visitors, many people choose to arrive earlier in the day for a quieter experience at the statue.
