Hello, this is _hiroyuki.ta. This time, I toured from central Tokyo to Kamakura Daibutsu on a Harley Sports Glide (FLSB). Kamakura Daibutsu is one of the oldest Buddha statues in Japan and is a historical tourist spot designated as a national treasure. This time, I would like to introduce in detail what the Kamakura Great Buddha is, how to get there, where to park your bike, etc.
What is Kamakura Daibutsu?
Kamakura Daibutsu is the principal image of Kotoku-in Temple in Hasaya, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, and is called a bronze seated statue of Amida Nyorai. Its height is approximately 11.4 meters and it weighs approximately 121 tons. Construction began in 1252 and is said to have taken about 10 years to complete. Initially, it was covered by a building called the Great Buddha Hall, but it has collapsed many times due to natural disasters such as typhoons and tsunamis, and now stands as a “Great Buddha sitting in the open” without a roof or walls. As a result, the surface has turned green due to exposure to the rain and wind, but this actually adds to its dignity.
Route to Kamakura Daibutsu
This time we toured from central Tokyo to Kamakura Daibutsu. The route looks like this:
- From central Tokyo, head towards Yokohama using the Metropolitan Expressway.
- Get off the Metropolitan Expressway at the Yokohamabashi exit and enter National Route 1.
- Head south on National Route 1 and pass through Yokohama city.
- Enter National Route 467 from National Route 1.
- Head east on National Route 467 and pass through Zushi City.
- From National Route 467, enter Prefectural Route 21.
- Go south on Prefectural Route 21 and enter Kamakura City.
- At the Hase intersection, turn right onto Prefectural Route 32.
- Go west on Prefectural Route 32 and arrive at Kotokuin.
This route covers approximately 60 kilometers and takes approximately 1.5 hours. Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery along the coast and the streets of the ancient capital of Kamakura. However, there are a lot of traffic jams and traffic lights, so you won’t be able to drive fast. Also, national and prefectural roads have narrow lanes and many curves, so be careful when driving safely.
Highlights of Kamakura Daibutsu
When you arrive at Kamakura Daibutsu, let’s first take a look at the exterior. You will be overwhelmed by its power and majesty. In particular, the details of the face, limbs, etc. are elaborately crafted, and the expressions and poses are also imbued with meaning. For example, a person’s face may appear to be smiling, but it actually represents peace after overcoming sadness or suffering. Also, the right hand is palm-up to show peace and security, and the left hand is palm-down to show relief and mercy.
You can not only see the exterior, but also go inside. Admission fee is 50 yen. Once inside, you can see traces of casting and repairs inside the Great Buddha’s womb. Also, if you look up from inside, you will be surprised at the impressiveness of the head of the giant statue that forms the ceiling. The inside is dark and narrow, so walk carefully.
Kamakura Daibutsu motorcycle parking lot
We recommend the Daibutsu paid parking lot located right next to the Kamakura Daibutsu. Motorcycles are also accepted here, and the fee is 400 yen per ride. However, the number of parking spaces is limited, so if the parking lot is full, you will need to find another parking lot. In that case, the following parking lots are candidates.
Summary
This time, we toured from central Tokyo to Kamakura Daibutsu. Kamakura Daibutsu is one of the oldest Buddha statues in Japan and is a historical tourist spot designated as a national treasure. If you go inside, you will be impressed not only by the exterior but also by the impressiveness and construction. If you are going by motorcycle, we recommend the adjacent Daibutsu paid parking lot, but if it is full, you will need to use another parking lot. Please come and enjoy the scenery along the coast and the streets of the ancient capital of Kamakura.
※ 鎌倉大仏 = Kamakura Daibutsu
