Great Buddha of Kamakura
Area Large outdoor bronze Buddha statue near Kamakura temples
The 1252 bronze Daibutsu at Kotoku-in sits outdoors in Kamakura; visitors come to view the large seated Buddha, nearby temples, and the coastal town’s beaches.
Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu) is a large outdoor bronze statue of Amida Buddha located at Kōtoku-in temple in Kamakura. The statue was cast in the mid-13th century and is one of Japan’s most famous large Buddha figures.
The statue stands in the open air on the temple grounds and is noted for its simple, serene form and large scale, measuring over 13 metres tall. Visitors come to view the statue, walk the temple grounds and appreciate the nearby coastal and temple-town setting.
The bronze figure was cast in 1252 during the Kamakura period; the original temple hall that once sheltered the statue was destroyed by storms and tsunami in later centuries, leaving the Daibutsu exposed outdoors. The statue has undergone conservation work over time to maintain its bronze surface and structure.
Kamakura is a coastal city about 50 km southwest of central Tokyo by rail, and the Daibutsu sits within a compact temple precinct amid wooded hills and suburban streets close to the city’s other historic sites.
- Size and date: The bronze statue dates to 1252 and measures about 13.35 metres in height, standing outdoors on the temple grounds of Kōtoku-in.
How to Get to Great Buddha of Kamakura #
From Tokyo take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station (around one hour); transfer there to the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) and ride one stop to Hase Station. The Great Buddha (Daibutsu) is a short 5-10 minute walk from Hase Station. There are also direct buses from Kamakura Station to the Daibutsu area and taxi options.
Tips for Visiting Great Buddha of Kamakura #
- Take the Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) to Hase Station and walk from there-it's the shortest, most straightforward route to the Daibutsu and avoids longer walks from central Kamakura.
- Go early in the morning to avoid the bulk of day-trip crowds and tour buses; morning light is also better for photos of the bronze statue and the temple grounds.
- Combine the stop with Hase-dera temple (a short walk uphill) to see a quieter, more varied set of temple gardens and coastal views that many visitors miss when they only visit the Daibutsu.
Best Time to Visit Great Buddha of Kamakura #
Best in spring or autumn for comfortable weather and scenic surroundings; arrive early to avoid crowds around the popular outdoor site.
Weather & Climate near Great Buddha of Kamakura #
Great Buddha of Kamakura's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 30°C. Abundant rainfall (1734 mm/year), wettest in June.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (149 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (166 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 18°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (223 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 21°C. Significant rainfall (159 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with muggy conditions (dew point 22°C). Significant rainfall (172 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 20°C. Heavy rain (217 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (114 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm).
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