description Kamakura Daibutsu Overview
The Kamakura Daibutsu is a monumental bronze statue of Amida Buddha, one of the largest bronze statues in the world at the time of its creation. Constructed around 1252 and housed within Kōtoku-in temple, it represents a significant example of medieval Buddhist sculpture. The statue’s impressive scale and enduring presence make it notable for art historians and those interested in Japanese religious history. It remains a focal point for visitors exploring Kamakura's rich cultural heritage.
insights Ranking position
Kamakura Daibutsu ranks #99 of 562 in the Monument ranking, behind Meenakshi Amman Temple, ahead of Shwedagon Pagoda.
help Kamakura Daibutsu FAQ
Can visitors go inside the Great Buddha of Kamakura?
Visitors have traditionally been able to enter the hollow bronze statue for a small additional fee when interior access is open. The interior reveals how separate cast sections were joined to construct the enormous figure.
Why is the Kamakura Daibutsu standing outdoors?
The Buddha was originally housed inside a large wooden hall, but successive storms and a tsunami destroyed its buildings. The bronze statue has stood in the open air since the late 15th century.
How tall is the Great Buddha of Kamakura?
The seated bronze figure is about 11.3 meters tall without its base and weighs roughly 120 tonnes. It represents Amida Buddha and stands within the grounds of Kōtoku-in temple.
How does the Kamakura Buddha differ from the Great Buddha at Nara?
Kamakura's statue is an outdoor bronze image of Amida Buddha, while the larger Nara Daibutsu at Tōdai-ji represents Vairocana Buddha inside the Great Buddha Hall. The Kamakura figure dates to the 13th century, several centuries after the original Nara image.
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