The Great Buddha of Kamakura (鎌倉大仏, Kamakura Daibutsu) is a bronze statue of Amida Buddha, which stands on the grounds of Kotokuin Temple. With a height of 11.4 meters, it is the second tallest bronze Buddha statue in Japan, surpassed only by the statue in Nara's Todaiji Temple.
Kamakura is a city in the southern part of Kanagawa prefecture. More than eight centuries ago, it prospered as the seat of the Kamakura shogunate, back when samurai were the ruling class of Japan.
Weighing 121 tons, this giant Buddha is the symbol of Kamakura. You can check out the inside of the statue for just 20 yen, too.
How To Reach Kamakura From Tokyo
The old capital of Kamakura, accessible from Tokyo in only one hour, is a popular sightseeing destination. Here is how you can reach Kamakura from Tokyo.
1) You can head directly to Kamakura Station from Tokyo Station, Ueno Station or Shinagawa Station via the Yokosuka Line.
Taking the JR Yokosuka Line is the fastest and simplest way to reach Kamakura. It goes directly to Kamakura Station from Tokyo Station, the ticket costs 920 yen and the ride takes 57 minutes. You can take the same train from Shinagawa Station for 720 yen and the ride will take 49 minutes.
2) It takes 63 minutes from Ikebukuro, 57 minutes from Shinjuku, and 52 minutes from Shibuya to reach Kamakura. The fare from all three stations is 920 yen.
3) Please be careful not to go in the wrong direction when taking the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line. If it’s bound for Zushi, Yokosuka, or Kurihama, the train goes directly to Kamakura. However, if the train is bound for Kozu or Odawara, you have to change trains at Ofuna Station and take the JR Yokosuka Line. Please double-check the destination of your train before you get on.
