Kōtoku-in, Buddhist temple in Hase, Kamakura, Japan
Kōtoku-in is a temple site in Hase, Kamakura, Japan, that displays a large bronze figure of Amida Buddha outdoors. The figure sits on a stone platform surrounded by low greenery and gravel paths that allow visitors to view it up close.
The bronze figure was cast in 1252 after a wooden predecessor was damaged during a storm in 1248. It originally stood inside a hall, but after a tsunami in the 15th century it remained in the open air.
The name draws from Buddhist scripture and refers to the pure land of Amida Buddha, understood in popular belief as a western paradise. Visitors often spend time in quiet contemplation before the figure or walk slowly around it to take in its size and detail from every angle.
Access to the grounds is straightforward and usually involves little waiting, allowing visitors to move at their own pace. A small additional charge permits entry into the figure itself, though those wishing only an exterior view will find ample space for photos and reflection.
The bronze figure is hollow and visitors can enter through an opening at its base to explore its interior. Inside, casting marks and internal supports remain visible, giving insight into 13th-century techniques.
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