Great Buddha of Kamakura, Kotoku-in Temple
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Go on a rainy day, if you can!
I've only been here once, and it was several years ago now - but it was during rainy season. We got there early in the morning, and we were the only people there. We have a cute family photo from when our daughter was just a baby, and there's no one in the background. People ask us if it's photoshopped, and we just tell them "go in rainy season!" since it seems to deter people from going...or at least going early. It's a beautiful spot, and well worth the visit - I'm sure we'll be back again at some point to get an updated photo with our son in it, too! :)
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on Dec 14
Inquire within...
On every visit to Kamakura, I have to go see this peaceful, nodding giant. The last time I visited, I had a peek inside. Even on the coldest days, this bronze statue retains and radiates heat. While you warm up your insides in his insides you can see how he was constructed. When you think about it, he's an old survivor, though his head is sinking into his chest. He's the second biggest Buddha statue of his kind in Japan, and was once housed in a temple that blew away in a typhoon. If you time your visit right, there may be seasonal events to enjoy around him. On one autumn trip, my companions and I got to take in a wadaiko drum performance in the forecourt.
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on Jul 18
The Big Buddha of Kamakura; not as impressive 2nd time round!
I first visited the Big Buddha of Kamakura sixteen years ago. And it left such an impression on me, that while I can't remember much else about that particular trip (well except for being attacked by crows, but that's a whole other story) I vividly remember the sight of the formidable Buddha. So when I went back to visit it last week with my two youngest kids, I was quite despondent! The second time round, there is little to be said about the visit. It is the type of place that once is enough. But once is a definite must! The Big Buddha is synonymous with Kamakura and it would be a shame to visit the area and not pop in to see the 700 year old, 13.35 metres, 121 tonne bronze statue of Buddha in the seated position. There are a couple of shops, eateries and other historic buildings on the grounds and a giant pair of waraji sandals, but generally, unless you are eating there, you wouldn't spend more than an hour at this site. Access from Hase Station on the Enoden line. It takes about 10 minutes on foot from the station.
genkidesu
on Dec 15