Famous for the Great Buddha of Kamakura. The National Treasure bronze seated Amida Nyorai statue (11.3m tall) is known worldwide as an open-air Great Buddha. The original Great Buddha Hall was washed away by a tsunami in 1498, leaving the statue exposed to the elements ever since. The serene expression of the Amida Buddha and the monumental scale of the statue attract visitors from around the worl…

Origins

Construction of the bronze Amida Buddha began in 1252 after fundraising initiated by the priest Joko in 1238. The seated statue stands 11.3m tall and weighs approximately 121 tons. Originally housed in a great hall, it has sat in the open since the 1498 tsunami swept away the building. Designated a …

Pilgrimage Courses

100 Temples ② Kanto

0 / 20 spots

→

Shonan Seaside Temples & Shrines

0 / 3 spots

→

Kamakura Ancient Paths

0 / 6 spots

→

Goshuin Beginner (Kamakura)

0 / 5 spots

→

句
Haiku Composed Here
— 2

鎌倉を驚かしたる余寒あり

Masaoka Shiki 1894年

Seasonal word

余寒（春）

明治二十七年二月、鎌倉紀行にて。

早春に鎌倉を訪れた子規が、思いがけぬ寒の戻りに古都が驚くさまを詠んだ代表句。鎌倉大仏を拝した折の作として広く知られる。

Show all haiku · 1

Divine Benefits

Purification

Rebirth in Pure Land

Cleansing impurity, spiritual purification, driving away evil. Rooted in misogi ablutions and goma fire rites.

Derived from the enshrined deity "阿弥陀如来（国宝銅造阿弥陀如来坐像）"

祭
Festivals & Events
— 1

8月

Kotokuin Segaki Service

The Segaki service at Kotokuin, home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura. Obon Segaki rites are held before the nationally treasured seated Amida Buddha. The open-air setting of the Great Buddha creates a uniquely solemn atmosphere, especially as bonfire torches are lit at twilight during the ceremony.

記
Related Articles
— 5

記

Amida Nyorai: Lord of the Pure Land and Guide to Famous Statues

Covering Kamakura's Great Buddha, Byōdōin, Chion-in, and Zenkoji — explaining the jōin and raigō mudras, the 48 Vows, and Pure Land Buddhist teachings. A practical guide for visiting the most celebrated Amida statues.

basics

›

記

The Great Buddha of Kamakura and Jodo Faith: Visiting the Open-Air Amida

The Great Buddha of Kotokuin sits open to the sky after its hall was lost to medieval storms. This article explains the Jodo faith behind the image and how to read its sculptural details — from the mudra to the ushnisha — as expressions of Pure Land thought.

architecture

›

記

Amida Nyorai: The Central Buddha of Pure Land Buddhism

Amida Nyorai is the buddha who vowed to save all beings without exception. Derived from the Sanskrit "Amitabha" (Infinite Light), Amida is venerated across Japan as the central deity of the Jodo, Jodo Shinshu, and Ji sects.

basics

›

もっと詳しく · 2

Posts

＋

No posts yet

Goshuin

No goshuin posts yet

Visiting Information

Hours

April–September: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM; October–March: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 15 min before closing). Great Buddha interior viewing: year-round 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry 4:20 PM).

Admission

General (junior high age and up): ¥300; elementary students: ¥150; preschoolers free. Viewing the Great Buddha's interior costs an additional ¥50.

As of 2026-07-17. Subject to change.

Official Links

Related Spots

Also Worth Visiting