Kōtoku-in Temple, Yokohama (must see)

The Kōtoku-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.