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Great Buddha of Kamakura

Great Buddha of Kamakura 1
Travel Info
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Travel Info

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Great Buddha of Kamakura Weather, Climate and Best Time to Visit

Data source：Meteostat
Update date：2025-10

Great Buddha of Kamakura year round climate

  • Spring (March–May): Average 50–66°F, mild and comfortable climate, relatively low rainfall. Suitable for outdoor activities and sightseeing. Common activities: visiting Kamakura Daibutsu (Great Buddha), walking ancient paths, admiring fresh greenery. Recommended attire: light jacket, long-sleeved shirt, light sweater.
  • Summer (June–August): Average 71–82°F, hot weather, abundant sunshine, but rainfall remains low. It is the season for escaping the heat and beach activities. Common activities: playing at the beach, evening strolls, visiting indoor art museums. Recommended attire: short-sleeved tops, shorts, sandals, sun hat.
  • Autumn (September–November): Average 59–78°F, temperatures gradually become cool and pleasant, rainfall is not high. It is the season suitable for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Common activities: temple visits, hiking, admiring late autumn maple leaves. Recommended attire: long-sleeved tops, light jacket, light sweater.
  • Winter (December–February): Average 46–48°F, cold and dry weather, very sparse rainfall. Suitable for experiencing a tranquil winter atmosphere. Common activities: visiting historical sites, enjoying hot springs (surrounding areas), savoring winter delicacies. Recommended attire: thick jacket, sweater, scarf, gloves, warm shoes.

Great Buddha of Kamakura climatological average

Annual average temperature: approx. 63.3°F / Annual rainfall: approx. 64 mm / Summer humidity: 70-85% / Rainiest month: June

Great Buddha of Kamakura monthly average temperature and precipitation

Month
Air temperature (°F)
Precipitation (mm)
January
45.7°F
1.7
February
46.8°F
4.8
March
49.3°F
7.4
April
61°F
5.2
May
65.7°F
7.9
June
72°F
10.7
July
81.3°F
3.2
August
82.9°F
7.4
September
79.5°F
4.4
October
69.6°F
5.8
November
58.3°F
5.6
December
48°F
0.1

Great Buddha of Kamakura weather for the next seven days

1/9
Friday
Sunny
48.4°F/40°F
1/10
Saturday
Sunny
56.6°F/44.7°F
1/11
Sunday
Patchy rain nearby
54°F/38.9°F
1/12
Monday
Sunny
46°F/38.8°F
1/13
Tuesday
Patchy rain nearby
58.1°F/46.1°F
1/14
Wednesday
Sunny
47.8°F/44.4°F
1/15
Thursday
Sunny
51.8°F/42.5°F

Great Buddha of Kamakura Frequently Asked Questions and Useful Information for Travel

Why is the Great Buddha of Kamakura important?

The Great Buddha of Kamakura is significant as a masterpiece of religious art, a national treasure, and a major tourist attraction. It symbolizes the historical Kamakura period and the Pure Land Buddhist sect, embodying compassion and salvation. Its impressive open-air design has allowed it to survive numerous natural disasters, making it a testament to resilience and faith.

Who is the famous Buddha in Kamakura?

The famous Buddha in Kamakura is the bronze statue of Amitabha Buddha, known as the Great Buddha of Kamakura or Kamakura Daibutsu. It is the principal image of Kotoku-in Temple and is designated as a National Treasure of Japan. Construction began in 1252, and it was originally housed within the Daibutsu-den Hall.

What is the religious significance of the Great Buddha of Kamakura?

The Great Buddha of Kamakura represents Amida Buddha, a central figure in the Jodo-shu (Pure Land) sect of Buddhism. This sect teaches that anyone can attain rebirth in the Pure Land through faith and chanting the nembutsu. During times of hardship, the statue served as a symbol of hope, spiritual enlightenment, and compassion for all.

How does the Kamakura Buddha compare to the Nara Buddha in size?

The Kamakura Buddha weighs approximately 125 tons and stands 11.3 meters (37.1 ft) tall. While impressive, the Nara Buddha is larger, weighing around 250 tons and measuring 15 meters (49.1 ft) high. The Nara Buddha was also constructed earlier, in 752 AD, about 500 years before the Kamakura Buddha.

What are considered the three great Buddhas of Japan?

The three great Buddha statues in Japan are widely recognized as the Shoho-ji Daibutsu (also known as the Gifu Daibutsu), the Kamakura Daibutsu, and the Todai-ji Daibutsu (Nara).