Kotoku-in
Home to the Great Buddha of Kamakura — a 13.35-meter bronze Amida Buddha that has stood outdoors since a 1498 tsunami destroyed its hall.
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✨ Historical Significance
Why Kotoku-in Matters
Ranked #90 among the world's top 100
Iconic outdoor Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Built
1252
Location
Japan
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📅 Plan Your Visit to Kotoku-in
Best Season
Spring & Autumn
Recommended months: March to May, October to November
Temperature
Average: 10–25°C (50–77°F)
Visit Duration
Recommended: 1–2 hours
Entry Fee
$5–$20 USD
Dress Code
Remove shoes before entering. Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees. Some shrines have specific customs; follow local signs.
Getting There
Located in Kamakura, Japan. Reach Kamakura by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kamakura center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
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💡 Travel Tips for Visiting Kotoku-in
Remove your shoes before entering any temple or pagoda building. Carry a bag for your shoes.
Visit early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures and golden light for photography.
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY). Carry small bills for entrance fees and donations.
Language: Japanese. Learn basic greetings in the local language — locals appreciate the effort.
Best time to visit: March to May, October to November. Visa-free for many nationalities (90 days).
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Kotoku-in
Everything you need to know before visiting Kotoku-in.
1Where is Kotoku-in located?
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Kotoku-in is located in Kamakura, Japan. It is ranked #90 in our Top 100 World Shrines list.
2When was Kotoku-in built?
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Kotoku-in was built in 1252. Iconic outdoor Great Buddha of Kamakura.
3What is the best time to visit Kotoku-in?
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The best time to visit Kotoku-in in Japan is during March to May, October to November. This is the Spring & Autumn when weather is most comfortable for sightseeing, with average temperatures of 10–25°C (50–77°F).
4How much does it cost to visit Kotoku-in?
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Entry fees for Kotoku-in are approximately $5–$20 USD. Prices may vary by season and nationality. Check the official website for current rates.
5How long should I spend at Kotoku-in?
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Plan to spend 1–2 hours at Kotoku-in. Take time to appreciate the architecture and historical significance.
6What should I wear when visiting Kotoku-in?
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Remove shoes before entering. Dress modestly — cover shoulders and knees. Some shrines have specific customs; follow local signs.
7How do I get to Kotoku-in?
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Located in Kamakura, Japan. Reach Kamakura by domestic flights, trains, or buses from major cities. Local transport (taxi, tuk-tuk, or ride-sharing) available from Kamakura center to the site. Check local transport options for the most convenient route.
8Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
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Visa-free for many nationalities (90 days). The local currency is Japanese Yen (JPY). Japan is in the UTC+9 timezone.
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🗺️ Explore More Sites
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📍 More in Kamakura
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🎯 Nearby Attractions
- •Tsurugaoka Hachimangu (shrines #15)
- •Hasedera Temple (shrines #55)
- •Ise Grand Shrine in Ise
- •Fushimi Inari-taisha in Kyoto
- •Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
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