Kotoku-in

Attraction > Temple

The Big and Famous Buddha Statue in Kamakura is called, Kamakura Daibutsu which is a colossal copper image of Amida-butsu (Amitabha Buddha), the principle image of Kotoku-in. The fact that it sits in the open air makes it unusual among large Buddha statues in Japan. The Great Buddha, designated a National Treasure by the Japanese government, is some 11.3 meters tall and weighs around 121 tons. Though in size it falls short of the Great Buddha of Todai-ji Temple at Nara (an image of Rushana-butsu [Vairochana Buddha]), it essentially retains its original form; as such it is an invaluable example of Japanese historical Buddhist art.