Kamakura and the Great Buddha (Kotoku-in)

Kotoku-in's Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) is a 13th-century open-air bronze Amida Buddha — Japan's only outdoor National Treasure Buddha — standing 11.3 m tall and weighing 121 tons in Kamakura, ~1 hour south of Tokyo by train. Visitors can also enter the hollow statue interior.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to the Great Buddha from Tokyo?

Take the JR Yokosuka Line or Shonan-Shinjuku Line from Tokyo Station or Shinjuku to Kamakura Station (approximately 50–55 minutes). Transfer to the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden, bound for Fujisawa) and ride three stops to Hase Station (about 7 minutes). The temple is a 7–10 minute walk from Hase Station, with English signage along the route.

Can I go inside the Great Buddha statue?

Yes. For an additional ¥50, visitors can enter the hollow bronze interior of the statue via an opening on its right side. Interior viewing is available from 8:00 to 16:30 year-round. The experience lets you see the ancient casting construction from the inside, including ventilation windows on the statue's back.

What else is near Kotoku-in worth visiting on the same day?

Hasedera Temple (Hase Kannon) is about a 5-minute walk away and features a 9.18-metre gilded Kannon statue and sea views over Sagami Bay. The Daibutsu Hiking Trail also begins near the temple, connecting Kotoku-in to Jochi-ji Temple and Genjiyama Park through forested hills. Note: the secondary Kangetsu-do hall on Kotoku-in's own grounds is closed for repairs until approximately 2027.

How much does it cost to visit the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in?

Admission is ¥300 for adults and junior/senior high-school students, and ¥150 for elementary-school students (ages 6–12). Children under 6 enter free. Entering the hollow interior of the statue costs an additional ¥50, paid separately at the statue entrance.

Is the Great Buddha of Kamakura wheelchair accessible?

The main courtyard and path to the statue are paved and relatively flat, making the site generally accessible. Wheelchairs are available to borrow at the ticket counter from 9:00–16:00 (final return 16:30). Entering the interior of the statue involves a small step. No parking is available at Kotoku-in; accessible bus routes from Kamakura Station serve the Daibutsu-mae stop.

Is Kotoku-in open every day, including holidays?

Yes, Kotoku-in is open year-round with no regular closing days. However, it may close temporarily due to severe weather events such as typhoons — check the official website (kotoku-in.jp) before visiting during typhoon season (late summer/autumn).

What are Kotoku-in's opening hours?

The temple is open 8:00–17:30 from April through September, and 8:00–17:00 from October through March. Last entry is 15 minutes before closing. The interior of the Great Buddha statue is open 8:00–16:30 year-round.

When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Weekday mornings between 8:00 and 10:00 are the quietest, before tour groups typically arrive around mid-morning. Late afternoons (from 16:00 to closing) are also relatively calm. Weekends and Japanese public holidays are the busiest. Winter weekdays offer a particularly peaceful atmosphere, and the clear skies often provide striking views of the statue.

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