About Kamakura Daibutsu-in Temple and Kotoku-in Temple
Kotoku-in Temple is a Jodo sect temple located in Hase, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Its principal image, the seated Amida Buddha statue (commonly known as the Kamakura Daibutsu), is a bronze Buddha statue approximately 11.3 meters tall and weighing approximately 121 tons. It is believed that casting began around 1252 (Kencho 4).
Historical Value as a National Treasure
The Kamakura Daibutsu was designated as a National Treasure in 1958 (Showa 33). Known as the second largest Buddha statue in Japan after the Todai-ji Temple Buddha in Nara, it is a valuable cultural asset that conveys the Buddhist culture of the Kamakura period. Originally housed in a temple hall, the hall was swept away by a tsunami in 1498 (Meio 7), and since then, it has remained outdoors for over 500 years.
Features and Highlights of the Great Buddha
- Gentle Expression: An elegant face incorporating the “Song style” of the Kamakura period.
- Interior Viewing: You can enter the interior of the Great Buddha (additional 20 yen), allowing you to observe the casting techniques up close.
- Snail-shell Hair: There are 656 curls of hair on the head, each intricately crafted.
- Hunchback Posture: A carefully calculated form to appear beautiful when viewed from a distance.
Points for Visiting
Flow of Visiting
- Passing Through the Temple Gate: A simple temple gate, not a Niomon gate, welcomes you.
- Purifying at the Water Basin: Cleanse your hands and mouth before praying.
- Praying to the Great Buddha from the Front: First, clasp your hands together in prayer from the front and experience its solemnity.
- Interior Viewing (Optional): View the internal structure of the Great Buddha (approximately 5 minutes).
- Walking Around: You can admire the Great Buddha from various angles.
Recommended Visiting Times
- Early Morning (8:00-9:00): Fewer tourists, allowing for a peaceful visit.
- Evening (After 16:00): The Great Buddha’s expression, illuminated by the setting sun, is enchanting.
- Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends.
Photography Tips
In addition to frontal shots, taking photos from a 45-degree angle highlights the Buddha’s three-dimensionality. Combining the Buddha with cherry blossoms (spring) or autumn leaves (autumn) in the temple grounds is also recommended.
Benefits and Faith
Benefits of Amida Buddha
Amida Buddha, the principal image of Kotoku-in Temple, is a central figure in Pure Land Buddhism, which aims for rebirth in the Pure Land.
- Pure Bliss: Guidance to a peaceful world after death
- Family Safety: Peace and health for the family
- Fulfillment of Wishes: Fulfillment of sincere wishes
- Protection from Misfortune and Good Fortune: Avoiding disaster and attracting good fortune
Goshuin (Temple Seals) and Amulets
At the temple’s office, you can receive a “Kamakura Daibutsu” (Great Buddha of Kamakura) goshuin (300 yen). Amulets and votive tablets featuring the Great Buddha are also popular.
Access Information
Access by Train
Using the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden)
- Get off at Hase Station, approximately 7 minutes on foot (nearest station)
- Approximately 5 minutes from Kamakura Station by Enoden, fare 220 yen
Using the JR Yokosuka Line
- Get off at Kamakura Station, approximately 10 minutes by Enoden bus to the “Daibutsu-mae” bus stop, 1 minute on foot
- Or approximately 25 minutes on foot from the east exit of Kamakura Station
Access by Bus
- Take the Enoden bus from bus stop #6 at the east exit bus terminal of Kamakura Station, get off at “Daibutsu-mae” bus stop (immediately adjacent)
- Fare: 220 yen for adults, approximately 10 minutes
Access by Car and Parking
- Approximately 30 minutes from the Asahina IC on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Expressway
- No dedicated parking: Use nearby private paid parking lots (approximately 200-300 yen for 30 minutes)
- Due to traffic congestion on holidays, the use of public transportation is recommended.
Visiting Information
Visiting Hours and Fees
- Visiting Hours: April-September 8:00-17:30 / October-March 8:00-17:00 (Last entry 15 minutes before closing)
- Admission Fee: General 300 yen, Elementary school students 150 yen
- Womb Viewing: Additional 20 yen (Elementary school students and older)
- Open Year-Round
Estimated Time Required
The temple grounds are relatively compact, and the time required is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. Even with a leisurely visit including a womb viewing and photography, 1 hour is sufficient.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Hase-dera Temple: 5-minute walk, featuring an eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva and a garden with a beautiful view.
- Kōtoku-ji Temple: 7-minute walk, a quiet, ancient temple known as the “Temple of Flowers.”
- Kamakura Museum of Literature: 10-minute walk, exhibiting materials related to literary figures associated with Kamakura.
Kōtoku-in Temple is a classic Kamakura tourist spot, attracting over 2 million visitors annually from both Japan and abroad. Be sure to visit and experience the history and faith that breathes within the Kamakura Great Buddha.
