Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
4.5
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
This nearly 47-foot bronze statue of Amida Buddha is the second largest Buddha statue in Japan.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Kotoku-in (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,405 within 3 miles
Attractions
534 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Steve MPerth, Australia229 contributionsCool BuddhaLike others have said in the reviews, I wouldn't go too far out of my way to come visit the Buddha but Kamakura is a nice little town in itself so it's worth the journey. It's nice just to walk around and its not as busy compared to the other tourist locations which is always good. Apparently you can also go inside the statue but it was far too hot the day we went and it was closed off.Visited August 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten February 12, 2024
- Jeff KPittsburgh, Pennsylvania2,473 contributionsVery ImpressiveThe Buddha statue is quite impressive. It’s also located very close to Hasa-dera Temple which is another must-see sight in the area. We spent about 20 minutes here. There’s not much else to see but it’s worth it as the statue is very memorable. If you you’re going to Kamakura you should have this and the Hasa-dear temple as your top priorities.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 19, 2024
- Brando62Saint Paul, Minnesota368 contributionsEasy to visitVery easy to visit as an English speaker. From Yokohama or Tokyo take the subway to the electric train station and get off at the Kamakura station a short 3/4 mile walk up the Main Street to the temple grounds. Reasonable admission and access to inside the Buddha.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 5, 2024
- martial51Vitry-le-Francois, France893 contributionsto do to measure the enthusiasman enormous statue in a garden that doesn’t look like much. The interior visit is possible even if you have to be patient and wait in line. The statue is impressive and its neck would lean forward. Some traces of gold on his right day still remainVisited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 21, 2024
- chowsoGloucester, United Kingdom1,745 contributionsA must seeThis is definitely one of those places that you really have to see. The Buddha is huge and very impressive when you realise how old it is. You can go inside it (there's a small extra fee) and you can feel how warm it is when the sun shines on it. There isn't much else here and the grounds are small, but I think it's still worth seeing. There is a souvenir shop with some excellent green tea ice cream too. I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn't completely rammed full of people.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 28, 2024
- Mellie2013Port Moody, Canada2,929 contributionsPeaceful buddha but too busyWe visited the Great Buddha on April 13. The cherry blossoms were late and fully extended. So lucky we were. Please remember to be mindful, this is a sacred place. The grounds are quite simple. The main focus...the Giant Bronze Buddha. Huge (11.4m)! Magnificent! Well aged...cast in 1252. It's a wonder to visit. We have nothing like it in Canada. We also enjoyed the guardians! The one deterrent for me was the crowds of visitors. Busy, busy, busy! Difficult to take a clear photo . So it was a quick visit and off we went. Possibly better early in the am or late in the pm.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 29, 2024
- gsgman777Columbia, Illinois821 contributionsAn amazing buildWe took a nice day trip from Tokyo. This was one of the must-dos for our trip and I so glad we were able to fit it in. You don't see a gigantic 50ft bronze Buddha every day. This was made almost 800 years ago which is just remarkable. I had no idea we could actually go inside of it. So glad we were able to get out here to see it.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 25, 2024
- Sacha JParis, France399 contributionsImpressiveOf course there are a lot of tourists here. We come to see one of the emblems of the country: the Great Buddha of the Kotoku-in temple. The large bronze statue dates from the 13th century. It is curious, next door, under a shelter, there are two huge straw sandals offered to the Great Buddha.Visited May 2024Traveled soloWritten June 29, 2024
- Uranus2120 contributionsBig BuddhaVery nice Buddha statue in kumakara. In most days you are able to enter the Buddha inside to see how it looks like. However unfortunately when we went that day, the weather is very hot. Because of that they have temporary closed that visit of entering into the Buddha’s body. Quite a shame..Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 21, 2024
- Milton PDeltona, Florida115 contributionsJapan TripThe Kotoku-in Temple is a must-visit destination in Kamakura, housing the majestic Great Buddha. This 13.35-meter-tall bronze statue exudes peace and tranquility, surrounded by lush greenery. The temple's simplicity and natural beauty create a contemplative atmosphere, perfect for reflection.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,110 reviews
Excellent
1,416
Very good
1,256
Average
402
Poor
31
Terrible
5
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
This service may contain translations provided by Google. Google disclaims all warranties, express or implied, with respect to translations, including any warranties of accuracy, reliability, and any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and freedom from forgery.
Princes of travel
Paris, France7,528 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
This Buddhist temple, located south of Kamakura, is accessible by train via the enoden line taken from Kamakura station. Ten minutes walk to the temple where the Great Buddha, Japan’s national icon, is located. 13 metres high and weighing almost 100 tonnes, the statue is impressive
It is said that the statue was started in the middle of the 13th century. After suffering several damages, it was reinforced in the first half of the 20th century.
It is also possible to enter the statue, for ¥50 per person in addition to the ¥300 cost of entry to the temple. On the side, under a sheltered part, we can see the giant sandals of Buddha, hanging on the wall.
It is possible to buy in this temple objects related to the Buddhist religion or offerings.
Being very famous, there are many people. Avoid busy hours if you want some peace and quiet. Allow 30 minutes
It is said that the statue was started in the middle of the 13th century. After suffering several damages, it was reinforced in the first half of the 20th century.
It is also possible to enter the statue, for ¥50 per person in addition to the ¥300 cost of entry to the temple. On the side, under a sheltered part, we can see the giant sandals of Buddha, hanging on the wall.
It is possible to buy in this temple objects related to the Buddhist religion or offerings.
Being very famous, there are many people. Avoid busy hours if you want some peace and quiet. Allow 30 minutes
Automatically translated
Written December 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Planet to go 🌍
Bernau, Germany344 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
From Tokyo to Kamakura it is only a roughly 1 hour train ride. And the visit is absolutely worth it. One of the reasons is the great Buddha. It is a „huge“ surprise, really impressive. You can go in inside for 50¥ , but I would not recommend it. It is supercrowded, not much to see, besides a lot of people suffering a claustrophobic moment. Enjoy the surrounding, collect your stamp for the memories at home. It is absolutely worth it. I recommend to take the bus from the station to there. First get out for the shrine and then walk over to the Buddha.
Written October 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom87Leioa
Leioa2,797 contributions
Oct 2024 • Friends
We knew we were going to meet a colossal Buddha, in fact that was the main reason to visit Kamakura, but in reality it is much more impressive. Well visited by tourists, locals and schoolchildren, it is worth taking time and waiting for the number of people to decrease to enjoy it quietly. You can visit the interior of the monument, if you are interested in technical aspects.
Automatically translated
Written December 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara B
8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
One of the most amazing sights from my trip! I was completely absorbed by the daibutsu and it felt very serene. We arrived about 40 minutes before closing time and loved seeing it near sunset (quite early in the Autumn).
Written December 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
alohatripper
Honolulu, HI1,743 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
Not far from our Shinjuku hotel is Kamakura's Great Buddha. This is the town's main attraction -- not the Candle Tower, the Shrines and Temples, or shopping. It is larger than I expected. Made of copper, it is greenish. At one time, as the guide told us, it was covered in goldleaf, which can still be barely seen in some areas. Sitting on huge granite blocks, the Buddha's base has an entrance to the inside room. Like the entry and the inside room, there are separate fees.
Because of the light rain, we saw it from the shelter of the adjacent building's patio.
It is one of the historic icons of Japan.
Because of the light rain, we saw it from the shelter of the adjacent building's patio.
It is one of the historic icons of Japan.
Written November 8, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Quang Kiet Le
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam1,155 contributions
Dec 2024 • Solo
The Great Buddha was in Kotoku-in pagoda, opened till 5.30pm and cost JPY300 to enter. The beautiful autumn leaves made it be magnificant. Absolutely stunning, and worth to travel all the way from Tokyo. A must in Kamakura!
Written December 17, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cheryl B
Honolulu, HI434 contributions
Oct 2024 • Couples
We got there early before any of the tour groups or others. The quiet, peaceful visit was just what we had hoped to have. One surprise was that guests can actually enter and go inside the statue. What an experience! After lighting incense, we continued on to our next place to visit which was the temple up the street.
Written November 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelin R
4 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Visiting Kotoku-in in Kamakura was absolutely splendid. The Great Buddha is truly inspiring, standing majestically amidst serene surroundings. The history and craftsmanship are remarkable, and the peaceful atmosphere made it a delightful escape. Japan’s rich heritage!
Written January 8, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
コーヒーノキ
Sendai, Japan8,784 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
It is a major tourist attraction in Kamakura.
Along with the Great Buddha of Nara.
It is a large Buddha statue 11.5m tall made of copper
It was very powerful!
It is also designed to enter the womb.
You can see the inside of the womb through a very narrow staircase.
If you came to Kamakura
This is a must-see spot!
Along with the Great Buddha of Nara.
It is a large Buddha statue 11.5m tall made of copper
It was very powerful!
It is also designed to enter the womb.
You can see the inside of the womb through a very narrow staircase.
If you came to Kamakura
This is a must-see spot!
Automatically translated
Written January 3, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigSpo
Edinburgh, UK357 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
I’ve visited a lot of such sites in Asia but was very impressed here. Not the biggest I’ve seen but possibly the oldest. Worth spending 100yen to have a look inside it.
We walked from the main station, it’s a long way, discovered later the local train takes you most of the way…
We walked from the main station, it’s a long way, discovered later the local train takes you most of the way…
Written December 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where can you buy entry tickets for this ? Can you buy at entry? Or do you have to buy before ? Thank you
Written June 21, 2024
Entrance tickets can be easily booked just before entering.
Written June 22, 2024
Hi, I want to bring my mom to this wonderful place. Her feet isnt so strong for long distance walking or to take stairs. Is there many stairs that she need to climb to be able reach the statue area? We will be taking train from Shinjuku Station. Do you have any suggestion, where should we go first from Hase Station, to Hasedera or Kotokuin first? I prefer the road that doesnt contain too much of climbing. thanks all for your advice
Written April 5, 2019
It's practically flat from Hase Station to the Great Buddha (less than 1 kilometre from the station - Hasedera is closer). Only a handful of steps at Kotokuin itself but you can easily see the statue without walking up them.
Hasedera however has many more stairs to climb - the temple complex is arranged in tiers as it's on a hill. There's 3 sets of stairs before you reach the main temple hall (about 2 flights in total I guess??). There are more stairs above that if you want an ocean view. But there's some interesting things on the lowest level (including a cave).
I visited Kotokuin first because a massive crowd peeled off to go to Hasedera and I was happy to get away from them. It really depends on your preference.
Written April 6, 2019
How much does the tram from train station to Buddha cost ?
Written October 9, 2018
Yep around 190yen. Discount tickets which include access to the attractions are avaiable. Also if you have a Suica or Pasmo card (available to purchase everywhere) you can use those to travel on the enoshima electric railway (also very useful for Tokyo metro line and buses etc).....if you have time then travel further down the line and visit the Enoshima sea candle too.. .great views of mount Fuji if it's a clear day!
Written October 12, 2018
My father visited this Buddha more than a decade ago. At that time they were able to go inside the statute and look out of the Buddha's eyes. Is that still possible? Thank you so much!
Written February 12, 2018
Yes, you can inside the Buddha for an extra charge. Lovely, peaceful grounds with a gift shop and refreshments.
Written October 17, 2018
Hi, we are staying in Yokohama, Sakuragicho. pls give us a detailed instruction how to get to the Great Buddha by train, thank you so much for any help.
Written March 31, 2017
Best is to travel by metro train (JR). You can board JR from Sakuragicho station. As far as train tickets are concerned, it's better to have the train pass (Suica or any other). It can be obtained from the ticket machines deployed at the station itself. Get it for 1000 yen, of which 500 yen would be deducted as the security deposit (which is refundable when you return the card on your departure from Japan). You can refer the following path to reach The Great Buddha.
1. Board the train from Sakuragicho station at the Negishi Line to reach Ofuna station. I think it runs from platform number 3.
2. Get off the train at Ofuna Station. Board the train from Ofuna station at Yokosuka line to reach Kamakura station.
3. Get off the train at Kamakura station. Board the train from here at the Enoshima Dentetsu Line to reach Hase station.
4. Get off the train at Hase station. You have to walk from here for about 650m to reach Great Buddha.
Don't worry about getting lost at all. Google maps works way better here and most importantly, Japanese people are very helpful.
Note:
1. Reacharge Suica with enough yen before commencing your journey as you will find that most of the places accept Suica for any purchase. Do carry some amount of cash as well.
2. Have a working internet connection on your cellular device along with the google maps app. It's way too useful too not get lost.
3. If you like to walk, you can reach the Great Buddha from Kamakura Station itself. It's about 1.2 km from there. As weather is good most of the time in Jaoan, you won't feel uncomfortable.
Hope this helps. Have a wonderful stay in Japan.
Written March 31, 2017
Is it possible to hire a private car/guide to take us from our hotel in Tokyo to the great Buddha? We have an elderly mother who cant do much walking, so would rather avoid the train stations etc. and save her energy for walking at statue and a little shopping. can a car drop us right at the Buddha, or is it a ways from the entrance? we have a group of 6 with two young children as well, so just trying to figure out the easiest way and door to door service as much as possible. Thanks!
Written March 10, 2017
We found it better to catch the train there and the monorail back. That way, you get to see the views of the sea and surrounding areas.
Written October 17, 2018
Is this place open on January 2nd? Or is it typically closed for the holidays? Is it typically crowded if it is open?
Written February 27, 2017
Open and if you go in tourist season the answer is yes
Written February 27, 2017
Hi, can I know how exactly did you go there? I will be taking JR from Tokyo. I am quite confused, can you help? Thanks alot!
Written May 2, 2016
Hi Celine, if you're taking JR from Tokyo, you can take
1. JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line(Via Yokosuka Line)' bound for ZUSHI from Shinjuku first to Kamakura station.
2. Then from Kamakura station, switch to Enoshima Electric Railway bound for FUJISAWA to Hase station.
3. Kotokuin Temple is within some walking distance from Hase station.
Written May 2, 2016
EcoLoft
Bangkok, Thailand
I heard that the Great Buddha of Kamakura is covered up by scaffolding for cleaning and inspection from January 13, 2016 to March 10, 2016.
When did you visit there?
Did they finish the inspection?
Written February 14, 2016
We visited the temple on Mar. 11, 2016, a day after the cleaning/inspection was done. There were no signs of scaffolding or work.
Written April 28, 2016
Showing results 1-10 of 14
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing