Great Buddha (Daibutsu) in Kamakura

The great Buddha or Daibutsu is a symbol of Kamakura, which is an important cultural asset of Japan.

The statue was cast in 1252 and originally located inside the temple building. But the temple building was destroyed by tsunami. Since 1495 it has been sitting in the open air.

If you are in Tokyo, Great Buddha in Kamakura is must to see.It takes about one hour from Tokyo central station by local train.

Small Buddha donated by the people can be found on the precinct.

＜Guide Memo＞大仏様は鎌倉のシンボル。大仏様以外さほど見所のない高徳院ですが、連れて行きます。30分あれば十分。写真を撮るだけです。胎内も入れます。20円。狭い空間ですが、喜ぶゲストが多いです。

Hase Dera Temple in Kamakura

In 721 the Buddhist Monk Tokudo Shonin discovered a large camphor tree in Hase village in Nara region. He carved two statues of eleven-headed Kannon from the tree.
The statue from lowar part of the trunk was enshrined to Hase dera temple in Nara and the other was thrown into the sea with the wish that it would reappear to save the people.
Fifteen years later it washed ashore on the beach near Kamakura and Hase dera temple in Kamakura was built for it.

Hase dera temple is my favorite temple in Kamakura.

This temple is also known for its beautiful garden.

The statue of Yakuyoke (Protector from the evils) is enshrined here which was made in 1194.

Kakigara Shinto shrine is for sea shells protecting the main statue when it had floated for 15 years.

＜Guide Memo＞

長谷寺は、人気の観光地ですが、写経、地蔵堂、墓地など仏教を説明しやすいので、ガイディングしやすいお寺です。ほとんどのゲストが、長谷寺を気に入ります。階段が多いので、歩けないゲストはNG。行事も多いので、行事チェックは必須。