Kotoku-in Temple (Great Buddha of Kamakura)

Information Guide

The Great Buddha (Kamakura Daibutsu) was originally constructed in 1243 as a wooden statue, but it was later destroyed by typhoon. The construction of the present bronze statue was started in 1252, but is uncertain when it was completed. It is said that this Buddha was once covered with gold and house in an even larger building when it was first erected, but it is also said the house was swept away by tsunami in 1498. The 11.3 meters tall Great Buddha is now officially designated as a National Treasure of Japan.