Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha)

An absolute must-see in Kamakura! The highlight is, of course, the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), an impressive bronze statue sitting in the open air that leaves you speechless with its scale and serenity. The temple grounds are peaceful, well kept, and easy to walk around, making it a perfect spot to take in the history and atmosphere. It’s a place that perfectly blends cultural significance with a calm, spiritual vibe. Easy to reach from Kamakura Station, and definitely one of the most iconic landmarks in Japan. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area.

Visiting the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in Kamakura was a truly awe-inspiring experience. This towering bronze statue, nestled in a peaceful park in the seaside town, is a remarkable sight to behold. Seeing it up close was surreal—the scale and serenity of the Buddha are unforgettable. One of the most unique aspects of the visit was stepping inside the statue itself. It’s a fascinating opportunity to glimpse the internal structure, but be warned: it gets hot. Temperatures inside can exceed 30°C (86°F), and signs recommend staying no longer than a minute. I can confirm—it was definitely sweltering! The surrounding park is spacious and pleasant to walk through, with shaded paths and a small gift shop offering local souvenirs. However, the area is extremely popular. On my walk from the train station, both sides of the street were packed with school groups, tourists, and a few residents trying to navigate the crowded sidewalks. It’s easy to understand why locals might feel overwhelmed—public walkways were so congested that it was nearly impossible to pass through comfortably. Despite the crowds, the Great Buddha is a must-see. If you’re planning a visit, consider going early in the day or midweek to avoid peak times. Kamakura itself is rich with history and coastal charm, and exploring beyond the main attractions can offer a more peaceful experience. Just remember to be respectful of the local community—they share this beautiful space with the world every day.

The Buddha is beautiful and easy to get to from Tokyo via public transit. It was 200? or 300 ? yen ( $2 ) to go view it and only 50 yen to go INSIDE it. Not much else in the immediate area. I walked to the beach but there wasn't much in that area but sand. There are public beaches but I didn't see a city bus ? FYI: As you leave the train heading for the buddha watch on the opposite side of the street for a 100 yen souvenier shop !! As you have probably noticed souveniers are way overpriced in Tokyo. So this little jaunt to the statue is alone worth the opportunity to load up on stuff for your friends :) Nice stuff too ! I got a patch, magnets, friendship bracelets....

I personally think this one can be skipped. The ride there will be longer than how much time you will spend at this temple. There's literally just a buddha statue in a big open field. Since that is the only thing to look at, it's a nice break to stop by and you won't be fighting tourists for photos. Only 300 yen to enter. Security guard was much nicer than the person selling the tickets.

a very popular tourist spot. easy enough to walk to from the sation. it is also very accessible as it does not have much steps (all flat) to see the Buddah.