K艒toku-in Temple, Yokohama (must see)
The K艒toku-in Temple is a must-see attraction for anyone who travels near the city of Kanagawa. Those visiting Yokohama should plan a trip to Kanagawa to see this impressive Buddhist monument.
The Temple, completed in 1252, is best known for its statue of Amitabha. Known as The Great Buddha of Kamakura, it is one of the most famous structures in the country. The bronze statue is more than 43 feet tall and weighs about 103 tons. Because the sculpture is hollow, tourists can explore the interior of the Buddha.
Some reasons and circumstances behind building the statue are still unknown. The statue was cast either by Ono Goroemon or Tanji Hisatomo, 13th-century Japanese sculptors. The statue was also gilded, but only traces of gold remained. Before the bronze statue, a wooden Buddha sat in this space. It was finished in 1243 but damaged by a storm in 1248.
At first, the statue sat in a large hall, destroyed by a storm in the early 14th century. Several halls were rebuilt over the years, but each was destroyed by acts of nature. Finally, in 1498, the choice was made to keep the Great Buddha in the open air.
Along with the Buddha, the temple grounds consist of the Nio-mon Gate and the Kangetsu-do Hall. The gate was moved from another area and rebuilt in the 18th century. The hall was once part of the imperial palace.
The grounds also contain a hand-washing basin, a pair of straw sandals, five feet in length, and a shop that offers a variety of souvenirs.
The iconic Buddha is a designated National Treasure.
The Temple, completed in 1252, is best known for its statue of Amitabha. Known as The Great Buddha of Kamakura, it is one of the most famous structures in the country. The bronze statue is more than 43 feet tall and weighs about 103 tons. Because the sculpture is hollow, tourists can explore the interior of the Buddha.
Some reasons and circumstances behind building the statue are still unknown. The statue was cast either by Ono Goroemon or Tanji Hisatomo, 13th-century Japanese sculptors. The statue was also gilded, but only traces of gold remained. Before the bronze statue, a wooden Buddha sat in this space. It was finished in 1243 but damaged by a storm in 1248.
At first, the statue sat in a large hall, destroyed by a storm in the early 14th century. Several halls were rebuilt over the years, but each was destroyed by acts of nature. Finally, in 1498, the choice was made to keep the Great Buddha in the open air.
Along with the Buddha, the temple grounds consist of the Nio-mon Gate and the Kangetsu-do Hall. The gate was moved from another area and rebuilt in the 18th century. The hall was once part of the imperial palace.
The grounds also contain a hand-washing basin, a pair of straw sandals, five feet in length, and a shop that offers a variety of souvenirs.
The iconic Buddha is a designated National Treasure.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Yokohama. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The 51爆料网 App
K艒toku-in Temple on Map
Sight Name: K艒toku-in Temple
Sight Location: Yokohama, Japan (See walking tours in Yokohama)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Yokohama, Japan (See walking tours in Yokohama)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Yokohama, Japan
Create Your Own Walk in Yokohama
Creating your own self-guided walk in Yokohama is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Yokohama Introduction Walking Tour
Yokohama is the second-largest city in Japan. Located on Tokyo Bay, the city was once a small fishing port. It became the location of the first foreign trading port in Japan, which led to its rapid expansion. The port was primarily used for transporting silk through the 20th century.
With its long history as an important area for trade and commerce, some of the world's most successful... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
With its long history as an important area for trade and commerce, some of the world's most successful... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Kamakura Temples Walking Tour
The vicinity of Yokohama abounds in Buddhist temples. Some of them are listed as national heritage. The most significant of them are found in the historic town of Kamakura, renowned for its rich religious scene.
Hase-dera Temple, perched on a hillside, is famous for its beautiful gardens and the towering Kannon statue, representing the goddess of mercy. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles
Hase-dera Temple, perched on a hillside, is famous for its beautiful gardens and the towering Kannon statue, representing the goddess of mercy. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.7 Km or 2.9 Miles