The great Buddha of Kamakura is the principal object of worship at Kotoku-in Temple in Kamakura. It was designated as a Japan National Treasure in 1958. It is bronze sitting statue of Amitabha. It was built from 1252 in the Kamakura period for around 10 years. Its height is 13.4 meters including the plinth and its height excluding the plinth is 11.3 meters and its weight is about 121 tons.
To make it, it is said that Joukou who was a Buddhist priest solicited contributions and used them. In an old book, it says that Hisatomo Tanji and Gorouemon Oono who were metal casters produced the statue, but actual people who made the statue and casted it is veiled in mystery.
Originally, the great Buddha of Kamakura was stored in a building, but in 1334 and in 1369, the building was damaged twice by strong wind. Since 15th century, there is no record and evidence the building was rebuilt.
Therefore, the statue is exposed to the elements. This is different from the colossal Buddha of Nara which is stored in the building.
Before you see the great Buddha of Kamakura, you go through Deva Gate.
Near the great Buddha, you can find huge straw sandals for the great Buddha hanging on the wall,
In 1951 after World War II, organization for local children in Matsuzaka Town, Hitachi-Ota City, Ibaraki Prefecture made those huge straw sandals and offered to Kotoku-in Temple hoping that the great Buddha of Kamakura wears those sandals and travels on foot throughout Japan and makes Japanese people happy. Since then, every 3 years, they offer those huge sandals for replacement.
If you have a chance to visit Kamakura, Kotoku-in Temple is a choice to visit to see this big statue of Buddha.
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