Introduction
Walking through the residential streets of Hase in Kamakura, a massive bronze Buddha statue suddenly comes into view—this is the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Standing approximately 11.3 meters tall and weighing about 121 tons, this seated Amida Nyorai statue ranks alongside the Great Buddha of Todai-ji in Nara as one of Japan’s most iconic Buddha statues, and has remained the symbol of Kamakura.
The most distinctive feature of the Great Buddha of Kamakura is that it sits outdoors as a “rozа” (open-air) Buddha. A massive hall once sheltered this Buddha, but it was swept away by a great tsunami in 1495 and for over 500 years since, the statue has maintained its serene expression while exposed to wind and rain. The soft verdigris patina polished by sea breezes, the mystical glow when illuminated by sunset, and raindrops trickling down on rainy days—this beauty of being one with nature could never have existed had the Buddha remained housed inside a hall.
Designated a National Treasure, this Great Buddha welcomes approximately 1 million visitors annually and consistently ranks among the top “must-visit places in Japan” for international tourists. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the Great Buddha of Kamakura, tracing its history from construction to the present, covering must-see highlights, nearby attractions, and access information.
5. Kangetsudo and the Kotoku-in Grounds—More Than Just the Great Buddha
The Kangetsudo (Moon-Viewing Hall) behind the Great Buddha is said to be a building transplanted from the Korean royal court of the 15th century. Though small, this charming structure houses a Kannon Bodhisattva statue from the Edo period. Known as a moon-viewing spot, its name derives from the custom of gazing at the moon from this location.
The Kotoku-in grounds offer attractions beyond the Great Buddha. The Nio (guardian) statues near the entrance carry on the tradition of the Nio that once guarded the Great Buddha Hall, offering a glimpse of the hall’s former glory. The temple gardens also bloom with seasonal flowers, and during cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy the combination of the Great Buddha and cherry blossoms.
Including the walking path around the Buddha, visiting the entire Kotoku-in grounds takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour. Even with the interior tour and poetry monument viewing, an hour is sufficient to thoroughly enjoy this compact but content-rich site.
Nearby Attractions
Hase-dera—The Temple of Hydrangeas and Ocean Views
About a 5-minute walk from the Great Buddha, Hase-dera is Kamakura’s premier flower temple. During the June hydrangea season in particular, approximately 2,500 hydrangea plants color the temple’s walking paths, making it enormously popular as “Kamakura’s Hydrangea Temple.” The observation deck offers panoramic views of Yuigahama Beach and Sagami Bay, with views extending to the Miura Peninsula and Izu Oshima on clear days.
The principal image, an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue, stands approximately 9.18 meters tall—one of the largest wooden Buddhist statues in Japan—and its golden, gleaming form is awe-inspiring. Viewing the Great Buddha (Amida Nyorai) followed by Hase-dera (Kannon Bodhisattva) offers a deeper appreciation of Kamakura’s Buddhist art.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu—The Heart of Kamakura
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is one of Kamakura’s two great landmarks alongside the Great Buddha. From the Great Buddha, take the Enoden to Kamakura Station (about 5 minutes), then walk about 10 minutes. This shrine, revered by Minamoto no Yoritomo as the guardian deity of the Kamakura shogunate, offers rich highlights including the great stone steps, Maiden stage, and Genpei Ponds. Please visit as the base for a “Complete Kamakura” tour combined with the Great Buddha.
Walking from Tsurugaoka Hachimangu through Komachi-dori, you can also enjoy Kamakura’s famous gourmet food and souvenirs. The route Great Buddha → Hase-dera → Enoden → Kamakura Station → Komachi-dori → Tsurugaoka Hachimangu is the classic Kamakura sightseeing course.
Enoshima—Shonan’s Popular Spot
From Hase Station near the Great Buddha, ride the Enoden for about 25 minutes to reach Enoshima. This quintessential Shonan destination offers highlights and cuisine including Enoshima Shrine (dedicated to Benzaiten), 360-degree panoramic views from the observation lighthouse, and fresh shirasu-don. On clear days, the views of Shonan’s sea and Mount Fuji from the Enoden window are spectacular.
A one-day course combining the Great Buddha and Enoshima is popular as an ambitious plan to enjoy both history and nature. Using the Enoden one-day pass (Noriorikun, ¥800) allows unlimited rides between Kamakura and Enoshima for convenient exploration.
Access
By Train
- Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden): About 7-minute walk from Hase Station (most recommended)
- JR Yokosuka Line: Get off at Kamakura Station → Transfer to Enoden → Hase Station (about 5 minutes)
- From JR Tokyo Station: Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station about 60 minutes → Enoden to Hase Station about 5 minutes
- Odakyu Line: Get off at Fujisawa Station → Enoden to Hase Station (about 30 minutes)
By Bus
- From Kamakura Station East Exit, Keikyu Bus to “Daibutsu-mae,” immediate access (about 10 minutes)
- From Kamakura Station West Exit, Enoden Bus to “Daibutsu-mae,” immediate access
By Car
- About 20 minutes from Asahina IC on the Yokohama-Yokosuka Road
- No parking within Kotoku-in grounds; use nearby private coin parking
- *Roads are congested on weekends; public transportation is recommended
Recommended Access Route
The most recommended route is taking the Enoden from JR Kamakura Station and getting off at Hase Station. The Enoden is a retro streetcar that runs through Kamakura’s residential streets and along the coastline, and riding it is itself one of the joys of Kamakura sightseeing. From Hase Station, it’s about a 7-minute walk through the Hase shopping street to Kotoku-in. The shopping street features cafes and souvenir shops, allowing you to enjoy a stroll on the way.
Summary
The Great Buddha of Kamakura, sitting in the open air for over 770 years, is a National Treasure that combines the beauty of being one with nature and the weight of history born from the faith of the common people. The serene expression viewed from the front, the casting marks etched inside the hollow interior, the elegant form that the poet Yosano Akiko called “a handsome man”—this is a profound Buddha statue that reveals different discoveries from every viewing angle.
During a Kamakura stroll combined with Hase-dera and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, face this great Buddha statue with its 770 years of history. Behind that gentle smile, you will surely sense an important message.
