Kōtoku-in Temple, Yokohama (must see)

Kōtoku-in is one of Kamakura’s most famous temples and home to the city’s defining landmark: the Great Buddha. Completed in 1252 during the Kamakura period, the bronze statue depicts Amida Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light. It stands more than 13 metres tall and weighs about 103 tons, making it one of Japan’s most impressive Buddhist monuments and a designated National Treasure.

The reasons behind the statue’s creation are not fully known. It may have been cast by the 13th-century sculptors Ono Goroemon or Tanji Hisatomo. The bronze figure was once gilded, though today only faint traces of gold remain.

Originally, the Great Buddha sat inside a large temple hall, but the building was repeatedly destroyed by natural disasters. After another hall was lost in 1498, the decision was made to leave the statue in the open air.

Given that the Great Buddha stands conspicuously in the middle of the temple grounds, finding it is as straightforward as reaching the temple itself. As you walk along the main road, look for a shaded walkway just off to the side, beginning with a short flight of steps. At the far end stands the Niōmon Gate, the official entrance to the complex. Follow the path until the massive monument comes into view.

Approach the statue’s left side to find the small entryway leading into its hollow interior. Here, for a small fee, you can step directly into the physical heart of this National Treasure. The interior contains no modern steel supports, allowing visitors to look up at the bare walls and trace the intricate patchwork of bronze plates and sophisticated lattice joints assembled by 13th-century craftsmen.

Another highlight is a pair of giant straw sandals. These massive woven shoes, measuring 1.8 metres in length, are crafted and replaced every three years by the children of Ibaraki Prefecture. The tradition dates back to 1951, when the sandals were first presented to the temple with the touching wish that the Great Buddha would wear them and walk across Japan to help heal the nation from the ravages of war. They are mounted on the inner wooden corridor of the shaded walkway lining the eastern side of the main courtyard.

To complete your circuit of the grounds, continue around the back of the statue and follow the garden path to Kangetsu-dō Hall. This elegant structure is believed to have once belonged to the imperial palace in 15th-century Hanyang, present-day Seoul, before being carefully transported and donated to Kōtoku-in in 1924. A close look at its weathered eaves reveals traces of continental architectural influences, offering a striking contrast to the surrounding Japanese stone monuments, the hand-washing basin, and the nearby temple souvenir shop.