Of the many options for a day trip from Tokyo, one of the most popular recommendations is to see the Great Buddha of Kamakura. After all, the giant Buddha or Daibutsu is among the most recognizable landmarks in Japan and throughout the world. What’s more, Kamakura is noteworthy in itself as one of the ancient capitals of Japan. Even further, it takes only an hour to reach Kamakura train station from Tokyo and it’s quite affordable. While getting around the world’s largest city can be quite daunting at times, see how easy it is to visit the iconic Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo
How to Get to the Great Buddha of Kamakura
By Car
From Tokyo, you must drive through local streets before you connect to a series of Japan National Routes. The first National Route you reach is 431, followed by 413, 318 and 466. While this may sound confusing, the best way to drive to Kamakura is by using Google Maps or an alternative app on your car navigation system. However, there is no public parking onsite at Kotoku-in temple, and parking near the site is limited. With this in mind, you might have a better chance of finding parking spaces at the Kamakura transit station. From the station, you can take a bus or train to the Great Buddha or Daibutsu at Kotoku-in.
By Train to Kamakura Station
The most affordable way to get to historic Kamakura and the Great Buddha from Tokyo is by taking a JR East train. Depending upon your starting point in Tokyo, you can take either the JR Yokosuka Line or JR Shonan Shinjuku Line. For example, from Tokyo Station, you take the JR Yokosuka Line to Kamakura Station. The train fare is about 950 yen ($6.45), and it takes approximately one hour to reach Kamakura Station. Please note that the JR Yokosuka train makes stops along the way, notably at Yokohama. If your starting point in Tokyo is Ikebukuro, Shinjuku or Shibuya stations, you can take the JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to Kamakura. The fare and the time it takes to get to Kamakura are the same as the JR Yokosuka Line. However, only trains bound for Zushi from Tokyo have direct service to Kamakura.
Tour Buses to the Great Buddha
If you prefer a tour bus to transport you to the Giant Buddha, you have several options. Prices for day tours start at about $54, but can also be over $300. Among tour sites you can consider and read reviews are Get Your Guide, Klook and Viator. Of course, other reliable travel sites like TripAdvisor allow you to book directly online. While organized tours can be convenient, you can expect to be on a tour for 10 hours or even longer, depending on traffic. On the other hand, many tour buses can pick you up at your hotel and may also include the entrance fee to Kotoku-in. Please note that tour buses arrive and depart at the same location, about a three-minute walk to the entrance. In addition, your tour may take you to other local attractions,
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Accessible Parking and Services
Should you require accessible parking, you must apply for a reservation in advance. The parking application is available online through Kotoku-in’s FAQ section. According to the application, the request must be sent by FAX. However, it seems reasonable to ask staff if this application can be sent via email. The Kotoku-in website recommends that a helper accompany wheelchair users. This is because some sections of the temple grounds can be difficult for wheelchair users who do not have any assistance.
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To the Great Buddha via Public Bus from Kamakura Station
Public bus service is available just steps from the east exit of Kamakura station. At this small bus terminal, local buses arrive and depart at two platforms. The two primary bus routes to the Giant Buddha are 2 and 4 from platform 1. The basic fare on local buses is 200 yen ($1.36), and IC transit passes or apps like Pasmo and Suica are accepted. From Kamakura station, it’s about a 10-minute ride to the bus stop near the entrance to Kotoku-in. Please note that this is the same bus stop where you will meet routes 2 or 4 to return to Kamakura station.
To the Great Buddha via Enoden Train from Kamakura Station
Enoden trains run every 15 minutes from Kamakura Station to the Hase Station. From this station, it’s about a 5-10 minute walk to reach the entrance to Kotoku-in temple and the Giant Buddha. However, the sidewalk between Hase Station and Kotoku-in is very narrow and often crowded. As a result, you might find yourself walking single file in any direction. The fare between the two Enoden stations is 190 yen ($1.29) and only takes about three minutes.
Taxi Service from Kamakura Station to Kotoku-in
If you prefer an easier ride from Kamakura to the Great Buddha, you can take a taxi. Once outside Kamakura Station, you will find the taxi zone to pick up a taxi service. You can also make arrangements for taxi service via your Uber app. The travel time is about three minutes, and the taxi fare is generally $9 to $11.
Kotoku-in Buddhist Temple
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.(April to September), 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (October to March)
General Admission: 300 yen ($2.04); Child Admission ages 6 to 12, 150 yen ($1.02), Admission is free for children under 6 years old
Website: www.kotokuin.jp
Interior of the Great Buddha
Hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Entrance Fee: 50 yen (.34)
As you pass through the entrance to Kotoku-in, you’ll probably want to see the Great Buddha immediately. However, as you get closer, you may wish to stop at the tsukubai wash basin. Also known as a purification fountain, the tsukubai allows you to wash your hands when entering a holy place. However, there is a sign indicating that you should not drink the water. While this tradition is not a requirement to visit a Buddhist temple, visiting the tsukubai can be a memorable cultural experience.
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The Great Buddha of Kamakura
After leaving the tsukubai, you can then admire the magnificent bronze cast of Amida Buddha in a sitting position. Dating back to 1252, the Great (Giant) Buddha is clearly among the most famous and most recognizable landmarks in Japan. Standing 36 feet tall and weighing 121 tons, the giant Buddha is the second tallest giant Buddha in Japan. Like the taller giant Buddha in Nara, this bronze cast was originally housed within a building. However, the Daibutsu-den Hall was destroyed over time by typhoons and a massive tsunami in 1498. While visiting, please be respectful, particularly when taking photos, as you will be in a sacred place. If you wish to visit the interior of the Daibutsu, you can pay 50 yen to the staff member at the back of the statue. Restrooms are available at Kotoku-in, including a wheelchair-accessible restroom. While your food options are limited in the gift shop, there are many restaurants and food stalls to visit in Kamakura.
What Else to See at Kotoku-in
In addition to the iconic Buddha, Kotoku-in temple has a gift shop. Here, you can buy souvenirs from your visit, like postcards, keychains, and clothing. Fortunately, you can use your credit card to make purchases. Also on the temple property is a beautiful, featuring tree planted by members of Thailand’s royal family. In all, you should plan on staying for at least an hour on the temple grounds.
Additional Attraction in Kamakura
If you take the Enoden train between Kamakura and Hase stations, there is another attraction worth seeing. As you walk to or from Hase Station, you’ll pass by Hase-dera Buddhist temple, otherwise known as Hase-kannon. This temple dates to 736 and is particularly famous for its wooden statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Hase-dera also features the Kannon Museum and the must-see Benten-Kutsu cave. Although there are other Buddhist temples in Kamakura, Hase-dera is the most convenient for Kotoku-in.
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About the Author
Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012 to 2019. More than 900 of his stories still appear in syndication across 23 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a reported digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com, and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University and has nearly 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.
