A Visit to Kamakura in Japan
Discover Japan—a land rich in history as the home of samurai warriors and the global center of electronics. One of its must-see attractions is the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura.
I began exploring this Land of the Rising Sun back in 2001. Initially, my visits were to places far from Tokyo, such as Aizu-Wakamatsu to the north or Yokkaichi to the south.
However, my focus changed, and I eventually settled into an apartment in Oimachi, near Tokyo.
During one of my stays, I hosted friends who were also in the apartment. Traveling with friends in a foreign country is an exhilarating experience. We decided to spend a day in Kamakura and relax at the nearby beach.
As many of you may know, Japan boasts an extensive and efficient train and metro system. We were always amazed by the punctuality of their trains. I remember several occasions when I alighted from the train right on schedule, as noted on our tickets.
We opted to take the train from Tokyo. While there isn’t a direct train to Kamakura, we needed to change lines at Shinjuku to board the correct train.
Daibutsu Kamakura in Japan
Set amid lush greenery and historical landmarks, Kamakura offers a tranquil retreat just south of Tokyo in Kanagawa Prefecture. Here, ancient temples, serene gardens, and the iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) provide a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
It’s a comfortable ride of about an hour by train from Tokyo. The small city of Kamakura gained popularity in the 19th and 20th centuries due to its cultural significance, beaches, and enigmatic appeal.
Kamakura is renowned for its numerous temples, shrines, and especially for the majestic Giant Buddha statue.
This colossal bronze statue, commonly referred to as Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha of Kamakura), represents Amita-butsu (Amita Buddha) and is the principal image of the Kotoku-in temple.
The Great Buddha is just a 5- to 10-minute walk from Hase Station, which is the third stop from Kamakura along the Enoden railway line. The Enoden is a quaint streetcar-like train that links Kamakura with Enoshima and Fujisawa. Its terminal station in Kamakura is conveniently located next to the JR Kamakura Station.
Giant Slippers
Upon entering the temple grounds, the breathtaking Giant Buddha is the first sight that captures your attention. A short walk to the right leads you to a display of the Buddha’s gigantic slippers, and I couldn’t help but wonder if they were actually worn by him—the size seemed just about right.
What sets this statue apart from other large Buddha figures in Japan is that it is displayed in the open air. Designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, the Great Buddha stands approximately 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons.
Originally cast in 1252, the statue was housed within a large temple hall. However, frequent typhoons and tidal waves in the 14th and 15th centuries resulted in the temple buildings’ destruction, leaving the Buddha exposed in the open air since 1495.
If you walk around to the back of the statue, you’ll find an entrance where you can go inside the giant Buddha.
For a small fee—historically around 20 Yen—you can embark on a brief but memorable journey inside this sacred statue.
If you are claustrophobic, you might want to skip going inside the Great Buddha; it’s a confined space. During the summer months, it can become uncomfortably hot, and you may leave feeling sweaty after your short visit. Consider this an advisory rather than a warning.
Don’t forget to stop by the Kotoku-in Temple’s souvenir shop to pick up a small memento of the Kamakura Daibutsu to remember your visit.
If you’re visiting Tokyo, a day trip to Kamakura is highly recommended. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to explore such a remarkable destination.
A day in Kamakura is a journey through time, where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with the natural beauty of the surroundings. From tranquil bamboo forests to towering statues and peaceful temples, this coastal town invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and immerse yourself in the cultural marvels that create this serene escape from the bustling energy of Tokyo.
Be sure to visit this page for the latest information on visiting hours, tours, and tickets for the iconic Buddha Statue in Kamakura.
I’ll return soon with more one-day visit ideas from other famous cities.
Have you been there?
Please share your comments, especially any updated information about the place, to help others plan their visits.
