Kotoku-in

As you can imagine, on a sunny day in September this place was heaving with visitors. It was off putting as it really didn’t feel like a sacred space, more like an offshoot of Disneyland but looking past that, I’m glad I went. I first saw a photo of this Buddha more than 20 years ago in an encyclopaedia I had so to see it in person was a moving experience. If you look past the other guests and just take your time to view the Buddha from all angles, it’s a worthy experience. The entrance fee was very reasonable, bring cash if you can. There are two gift shops, one inside and one at the gate. There were toilets and places to sit both in the sun and shade.

The Buddha statue is truly impressive and enormous. You can easily reach it by train from Tokyo in about 70 minutes. The temple itself is beautiful, with clean and well-maintained facilities. If you arrive early in the morning, you'll likely have the place to yourself. Around 9 AM, school field trips and tourists start to arrive. After visiting the Buddha, you can explore Kamakura and even visit the beach

I was expecting it to be bigger I guess 🫣 Perhaps the authorities should explore the possibilities of using chargable/paid electric buses to several important destinations in the area, involving shrines and temples, especially during the weekends? Many elderly are making trips to the shrines and temples and walking can be difficult for them since there are many religious places to visit in Kanagawa, hence having buses are useful, especially during peak season, or weekends for all visitors. Overall, it was an experience... 👍🫰

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kotoku-in is an absolutely breathtaking place to visit, especially for those interested in Japanese history and culture. The iconic Great Buddha (Daibutsu) is a must-see—standing tall and serene, it's even more impressive in person than in photos. The grounds are beautifully maintained and offer a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for reflection and relaxation. I highly recommend taking some time to explore the surrounding gardens and enjoy the tranquility. While the area can get busy with tourists, the experience is still worthwhile. The entrance fee is reasonable, and there's a small shop nearby where you can purchase souvenirs related to the temple. Whether you're a first-time visitor to Japan or a seasoned traveler, Kotoku-in is a place you won't want to miss.

In general Kamakura is a great place to visit over the weekend, I went during winter season in December it was still great .. the garden or forestry around the temple is beautiful and the road to reach there is filled with exclusive stores and cafes