Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

Kotoku-in is absolutely worth the visit, even if you’re not usually the type to chase tourist landmarks. The Great Buddha is breathtaking in person—far larger, calmer, and more quietly powerful than any photo can prepare you for. The moment you step through the gate and see the Daibutsu framed by the trees, you feel a sort of stillness settle in, like the whole place is exhaling. That said, it gets very crowded, especially on weekends and around midday; tour groups come in waves, and you’ll often have to wait for photos or shuffle through narrow walkways. If you want space to breathe, go early in the morning or closer to closing time. The grounds are smaller than you might expect, but well kept, clean, and easy to navigate. You can pay a small extra fee to go inside the statue—it’s a quick walkthrough and not essential, but interesting if you like history or structure. Despite the crowds, people tend to be respectful and quiet, adding to the atmosphere. There are drink machines and a few souvenir spots outside the temple entrance, but the real charm is the serene neighborhood surrounding it, with traditional houses, mountains, and a peaceful walk from Hase Station. Overall, it’s one of those places that earns its reputation: busy, yes, but unforgettable, and the calm presence of the Great Buddha makes the visit feel meaningful despite the crowds.

**Kotoku-in (鎌倉大仏殿高徳院) – Kamakura** Visiting Kotoku-in to see the **Great Buddha** was an amazing experience. The massive bronze statue is truly impressive, and walking around it gives a sense of the history and craftsmanship behind it. The temple grounds are peaceful, and there’s a calm, spiritual atmosphere despite the crowds. You can even go **inside the Buddha**, which is a unique experience. It’s very easy to reach from Hase Station, and the entrance fee is reasonable. Perfect for anyone visiting Kamakura for culture, history, and incredible photo opportunities!

You can't go to Kamakura and not see the Great Buddha. It's a quick but worthwhile stop. The statue is massive and very cool to see in person. We stopped by during the day, and it wasn't too crowded. We also found a nice refrigerator magnet at the gift shop on the way out.

“A place where you can capture a moment of quiet stillness, even among the crowds.” I visited in early November, just as the autumn leaves were beginning to turn. It was truly a beautiful sight. As one of Japan’s three great Buddha statues, the Great Buddha of Kamakura absolutely lives up to its reputation. Maybe it’s the statue’s profound and heavy presence, but every photo I took—despite the crowds—felt like it was filled with silence and calm. If I ever get the chance to visit Tokyo again, I’ll definitely come back here. 🥹

I find it very peaceful. Many people seem to have main character syndrome and cannot read rules regarding statues. But the ambience is very nice. It is a temple so it is supposed to be not loud but why can you buy a whistle in the souvenir shop 😅