Why the
Kamakura Great Buddha
is special

The 13-meter (44-foot) statue has a serene yet commanding presence as it appears to gaze down on visitors.

Kamakura Great Buddha
tips and insights

Building material

It's made of bronze and weighs 84,000 kilograms (93 tons)

Hollow

The statue is hollow and you can visually explore that space by entering through a side entrance. Note: You could feel like you're in an oven on hot sunny days (the sun rays heat the  metal exterior plates).

Kamakura Buddha's
history in brief

 

1252

It was cast in bronze and housed in a wooden temple hall.

1495

A monstrous tsunami wave washed away the temple hall, instantly transforming the wonder into an outdoor statue. It's in good shape considering that it has been exposed to the elements for over 500 years.

1961

It was structurally reinforced to help it survive earthquakes.

Formerly golden

Gold leaf once covered it. That thin veneer flaked away over the centuries. Only a small trace in one of the ears remains.

Name

In English, this monument is called "Kamakura Great Buddha", "Great Buddha of Kamakura", or simply, "Kamakura Buddha". In Japanese, it's "Daibutsu".

Photo taking

During the peak summer season, organized tour groups spoil your photos by thickly mingling in front of the monument. For an uncluttered photo, arrive early or late in the day.

Easy daytrip from Tokyo

A train whisks you to Kamakura in one hour. The statue is only a 10-minute walk from the station.

Location in Japan

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Japan National Tourism Office

 

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World's Top 1000 Wonders

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