Big Buddha Kamakura – Unraveling the Symbolism

Let me share my secret of why I visited Kamakura in Japan. It was to see the Big Buddha Kamakura! I had seen several big Buddha statues in Thailand so my curiosity grew as to how much bigger will this Kamakura Big Buddha be?!

Kamakura is one of the most tranquil destinations I visited during my 18 days tour of Japan. Filled with temples and shrines, my itinerary of one day in Kamakura was dotted with temples and shrines and of course the yumm food I got in Komachi-dori street. Read on, my travelogue on Kamakura and then the sense of wonder I experienced in seeing the Great Buddha of Kamakura.

Booking your trip to Kamakura last minute? Don’t worry. We have you covered. Here is a list of best tours that you can take while in Kamakura.

From Tokyo: Kamakura and Enoshima 1-Day Bus Tour

From Tokyo: Kamakura, Hachimangu Shrine & Enoshima Day Tour

Kamakura: Private Guided Walking Tour with Local Guide

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link on this blog.

Kamakura big buddha

My Kamakura Travelogue

After our two days of sightseeing in Tokyo we set off for our next destination – Kamakura. Two months in advance we had booked our hotels, that is in August. Since we targeted the hotels near the station, we had to settle for one in Ofuna which is a couple of stations ahead of Kamakura station. Hotels near Kamakura station were running full by then.

We stayed in Sotestu Fresa Inn Kamakura. After a hearty breakfast at their buffet, we set off for the shrines and temples of Kamakura (8.15 AM). Since there is no direct connection from Kamakura Station to Kōtoku-in, we took a train to Hase Station (Kanagawa), then walked towards Hase-dera Temple (400m from the station).

Kamakura Hasedera is a stunning temple which one can’t fathom standing at the base of the hill. Climbing up the steps along the marked route we stopped at all the halls, a cave, tranquil ponds and at the observation deck from where we got the ocean view, finally stopping at towering Kannon statue. Highlight of this place for me was the Kyozo. It is a huge rotating bookcase installed inside the hall. This visit to Kamakura Hasedera alone took two hours. (In hindsight we could have had a rushed visit here in one hour and added Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine to the itinerary but we didn’t want to rush through.)

Read more: Epic things to do in Kamakura Japan

Dyakhna-mudra

At 11.30 AM we set off for Kotoku-in. This temple was quite crowded, a huge group of school students had come on excursion from school here. Plus, there was the crowd of other tourists too. We made our way in and realised there is no way we are going to get the Amida Buddha statue to ourselves for a pic. The highlight of this shrine is the 47ft. bronze statue of Amitabh Buddha, the second largest Buddha statue in Japan and the largest seated Buddha in Japan. Scroll down to know more on why the Great Buddha of Kamakura is important. We spent an hour here.

By 12.30 we walked 800 m back to Hase Station, took a train and went to Kamakura Station. Yes, you guessed it right, by now the hunger pangs at its peak. It was past 1 PM now. The ideal place to have some good food would be at Komachi Street. We saw a huge rush here too. They say lunch time or not this street sees huge footfall for the variety of food stalls, apparel, gift and souvenir stores that lines the street. I had my first Matcha Warabi Mochi here, a stick with three pieces. It cost 400Y for the three pieces. After scouring some more restaurants we settled for one that served hot soba noodles, prawn tempura, fish and tofu.

By now it was past 2.30 PM. We had to decide fast what to do with rest of the day. And on an impulse, we took our luggage from the Ofuna hotel and set off for Odawara. We dumped the luggage at Sakaecho Odawara hotel and set off to conquer Odawara Castle, with our lens of course! More about that in another post here: Odawara City: 11 Best Things to Do

Kotukuin Map

The Great Buddha of Kamakura (Kamakura Daibutsu in Japanese)

Well, the sight of Kamakura that left a lasting impression on me was that of the Great Buddha statue. It is hard not to be moved on a spiritual level by this statue.

The entrance to the enclosure of Kamakura Daibutsu buzzed with excitement as groups of eager children filled the area. It was evident that school students had embarked on a study tour, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. After obtaining our tickets, we passed through the gate, observing the students entering with remarkable discipline, forming orderly queues.

We strolled towards the temple grounds of Kotokuin. Ahead, atop a pedestal adorned with lotus petals, (The petals had Japanese inscriptions on them.) the Great Buddha of Kamakura sat in serene contemplation, an embodiment of timeless tranquility!

Lotus petal seat of Big Buddha Kamakura

For centuries, this majestic figure had remained in deep meditation, undisturbed by the passage of time or even the mightiest of tsunamis. Its towering presence seemed to resonate with a profound sense of peace and resilience, a silent testament to the enduring spirit of Kamakura and its cherished cultural heritage.

Just looking at the ‘Buddha face with closed eyes’ one can feel peace at heart! All around there were tourists and school students. No way it was possible to get a picture with just the Kamakura Great Buddha and us.

Second Largest Buddha in Japan Facts

• Kamakura Daibutsu is the only statue of Buddha in Kamakura that is designated as a national treasure.
• The bronze image was probably cast by Ōno Gorōemon or Tanji Hisatomo, both leading casters of the time.
• At one time, the statue was gilded. Look closely or zoom in with your lens to see traces of gold leaf near the statue’s ears.
• The hand posture of big Buddha Kamakura, a mudra, is called ‘dyakhna-mudra’. This is the mudra of concentration. The thumbs, connected and forming two circles of perfection, expresses firm faith in the symbolic language of Buddhism.

Religion of Kamakura – It was during the Kamakura period that two significant new sects of Zen Buddhism were developed: the Jodo Sect (aka Pure Land), founded c. 1175 CE by the priest Honen (1133-1212 CE), and the Jodo Shin Sect (aka True Pure Land), founded in 1224 CE by Shinran (1173-1263 CE), the pupil of Honen.

Kamakura Daibutsu History

Today this huge bronze Buddha is out in the open exposed to all nature’s forces. But, did you know this was once enshrined in a hall, Daibutsu-den Hall? The bronze statue of Buddha was constructed in 1252. But a series of tragedies triggered by nature’s forces like several typhoons and the major tsunami of 1498 tore apart the building. The statue of Buddha however didn’t budge from its place. Since then, the statue has got the honor of being the largest seated Buddha statue in the open air in Japan.

The big earthquake of Sept 1923 didn’t damage the statue. However, the base was destroyed and was repaired in 1925.

The last repairs done in 1960-61 provided strong reinforcement to Buddha’s neck which supports the big head. The repairs also enabled mobility to Buddha’s body on the base to avoid big shocks in case of earthquakes.

Kamakura Daibutsu

Isn’t it miraculous that the statue, almost seven centuries old, has resisted so many adverse factors?! The scientific answer is that it is mainly due to the protective film formed by corrosion products and other compounds on the surface.

The Big Buddha statue is a multi-colored beauty generated by the chemical reactions of different corrosion products and other compounds with environmental pollutants. Observe carefully and you will see shades of pale and dark green, dark brown, orange, black, yellow and blue, white, and different shades of red.

Big Buddha Dimensions

This Buddha in Kamakura has a height of 13.35 m including the base.
It weighs approximately 121 tons.
Face – 2.35 m
Eye – 1 m
Ear – 1.9 m
Mouth – 0.82 m
Knee to knee – 9.10 m
Circumference of thumb – 0.85 m

Kamakura Big Buddha Tourist Information

Open Timings: 8 AM to 5 PM (5.30 PM Oct to March).
Tickets: Adults, high school and junior high school students: 300 yen; Elementary school students: 150 yen
Address: 4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura-shi, Kanagawa
Geographical Coordinates: 35°19’00.1″N 139°32’10.3″E

Awe-inspiring Buddha, isn’t it?! A must-see Buddha statue in Japan!

How to reach Big Buddha Kamakura

Distance from Tokyo to Hase Station is 53.2 km
By train: Approximately 7 minutes’ walk from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway
By Bus: Take the Enoshima-dentetsu Bus or the Keikyu Bus and get off at the Daibutsu-mae bus stop

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) with valuable information for tourists planning their visit to the Big Buddha in Kamakura, Japan

What is the Big Buddha in Kamakura?

The Big Buddha, also known as Daibutsu, is a monumental bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha located in Kamakura, Japan. It stands at approximately 13.35 meters (44 feet) tall and weighs around 93 tons.

How old is the Big Buddha in Kamakura?

The Big Buddha in Kamakura was originally cast in 1252, making it over 772 years old in 2024. It has withstood earthquakes, storms, and other natural disasters throughout its long history.

What is the significance of the Big Buddha in Kamakura?

The Big Buddha is a symbol of peace, enlightenment, and the rich cultural heritage of Kamakura. It serves as a sacred site for Buddhists and a popular tourist attraction for visitors from around the world.

Is the Big Buddha Kamakura a free sight?

No. You have to purchase tickets to enter the area surrounding the Big Buddha in Kotokuin Temple. The fee helps support the maintenance and preservation of this historic site.

Can visitors go inside the Big Buddha statue?

Yes, visitors can go inside the Big Buddha statue in Kamakura. I saw little children climbing into a room inside the big statue.

What are the best times to visit the Big Buddha in Kamakura?

The Big Buddha is a popular tourist destination year-round. However, visiting during weekdays or early mornings can help avoid crowds and provide a more serene experience.

Are there any nearby attractions to explore after visiting the Big Buddha?

Yes, there are several other attractions worth exploring in Kamakura, including Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, Hasedera Temple, and the charming streets of Komachi-dori shopping area.

What is Daibutsu?

Daibutsu or ‘giant Buddha’ is the Japanese term, often used informally, for large statues of Buddha.

What is Kotokuin?

Kotokuin is a temple belonging to the Jodo Sect of Buddhism. The Jodo are committed to the liberation of all beings. Their belief promises rebirth in the Pure Land to all those who invoke the name of Amida Buddha and live a righteous life.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.