Things to see - Shrine & Temples

Kotokuin Temple (Great Buddha)

Yuigahama / Hase / Gokurakuji Area

The Kamakura Daibutsu, the Great Buddha of Kamakura, is a National Treasure. It is basically in its original condition. Other than the fact that casting began in around 1252, not much is known about its creation. The statue was originally carved in wood and was later cast in bronze. Visitors may go inside the Daibutsu and see firsthand the sophisticated casting technology used in its construction. The Daibutsu used to be housed in a great hall, which was destroyed by typhoons and a giant tsunami after the Kamakura shogunate fell. Ever since, the Daibutsu has sat in the open air. The enormous size of the original hall can be deduced from the foundation stones which stud the precinct.

Basic Information

Address	4-2-28 Hase, Kamakura
Access	・7 minutes walk from Hase Station on the Enoshima Electric Railway ・From the bus stop at the East Exit of JR Kamakura Station, take the bus bound for Daibutsu and get off at Daibutsu-mae. 1 minute walk ・30 minutes walk from the West Exit of JR Kamakura Statio
Phone	0467-22-0703
Fees	Adults (junior high school students and above): 300 yen Elementary school students: 150 yen 《Eligible for admission fee exemption (application required in advance)）》・Students and teachers at special needs schools ・Individuals with a disability certificate who attend or reside in facilities for the disabled Inside the Great Buddha: 50 yen *Free for preschool children and those exempt from admission fee
Business Hours	April to September: 8:00am to 5:30pm October to March: 8:00am to 5:00pm Entry is allowed until 15 minutes before closing 《Viewing the Great Buddha’s》 All year round: 8:00am – 4:30pm (entry until 4:20pm) 《Direct sales store》 8:30am – 4:45pm 《Goshuin (stamp of a temple)》 Booking reception: 9:00am-3:00pm (500 yen) Paper seal distribution: 8:00am-4:30pm (300 yen) Seasonal special seal: 600 yen
Parking	There is one parking space available for disabled people, which must be reserved in advance. All other visitors should use the nearby public parking lot. Please contact the parking lot directly for inquiries. *Please park tour buses in front of the Great Buddha (paid parking lot). (10 standard-sized cars, 2 large cars)