About Kotokuin (Temple)
Kotokuin Temple, located in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, is a famous Buddhist temple in Japan, known for its gigantic statue of Amida Nyorai, popularly known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The Daibutsu stands 11.3 meters tall and weighs approximately 121 tons, making it an overwhelming presence and a symbol of Kamakura that attracts many tourists from Japan and abroad. The solemn and serene appearance of the Great Buddha in front of one's eyes is enough to make anyone gawk at it.
The Great Buddha of Kamakura is the second largest bronze statue of Buddha in Japan and dates back to the Kamakura period in the 13th century. Originally housed in the Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), the building was damaged by several major earthquakes and tsunamis, and today the Great Buddha stands in the open air. Therefore, one of Kotokuin's attractions is that the Great Buddha can be seen in the scenery of each of the four seasons. The coexistence of the Great Buddha and nature, with cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the fall, soothes the hearts of visitors.
The structure of the Daibutsu is another interesting point. The interior of the statue is hollow, and visitors can enter the statue to get a close-up look at its inner structure, which is not normally seen. The interior walls of the statue show the manufacturing techniques and repairs that were done at the time of the statue's construction, and visitors will be able to appreciate the historical value of the statue. The Daibutsu's serene expression brings peace and tranquility to those who see it, making it a must-see experience when visiting Kamakura.
The spacious grounds of Kotokuin Temple provide a quiet environment in harmony with the lush greenery, where visitors can walk leisurely while gazing up at the Great Buddha. Therefore, just strolling around the temple grounds is a pleasant experience at Kotoku-in. There are various Buddhist structures within the precincts of the temple, and there are many highlights for those interested in history and religion. In addition, visitors can feel in harmony with nature, especially with the mountains behind the Great Buddha.
In addition, since Kotokuin is located in the sightseeing area of Kamakura, other places of interest and sightseeing spots are scattered in the surrounding area. For example, because of its proximity to the center of Kamakura, visitors can walk or rent a bicycle to Kotokuin and enjoy the scenery along the way and the streets of Kamakura. Furthermore, there are many cafes and souvenir stores in the area, so you can enjoy the taste of Kamakura and souvenirs after visiting the temple.
Another enjoyable aspect of visiting Kotoku-in Temple is its integration with the surrounding nature. The Daibutsu statue and the greenery in the background blend harmoniously, and the scenery takes on a different look each season, so there is always something new to discover no matter how many times you visit. In particular, the contrast between the lush greenery and the Daibutsu in summer and the serenity of the Daibutsu amid the autumn leaves in fall will provide visitors with exceptional memories. The time spent admiring the Daibutsu while taking in the surrounding nature is a time to calm the mind and forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Kotokuin is also a place where visitors can experience the culture and Buddhist teachings of Kamakura due to its historical background. In particular, those interested in the spread of samurai culture and Buddhism during the Kamakura period will enjoy the rare experience of seeing firsthand the Daibutsu (Great Buddha), which was worshipped by the people of that time. The Great Buddha of Kotoku-in Temple symbolizes Amida Nyorai, who is regarded as a being of mercy and salvation in Buddhism. Therefore, visitors can join hands in front of the Great Buddha and pray for peace and happiness.
All in all, Kotokuin is a tourist attraction that combines the history, culture, and natural beauty of Kamakura. Its gigantic Great Buddha of Kamakura is a place where people are moved not only by the power of its appearance, but also by the depth of history and faith behind it, and each visit brings new discoveries and impressions. We hope you will experience the majestic appearance of the Great Buddha along with the rich scenery of Kamakura.