Great Buddha — jpellgen (@1179_jp)

The great Buddha statue of Kotoku-in is one of the largest in Japan. The Amida figure is 69% bronze and stands 11.47 meters above its base. Its total weight is in excess of 125 metric tons, despite the fact that it is mostly hollow. While it is only 7/10 the size of the Daibutsu in Nara, it is regarded by many as a greater work of art. Kotoku-in is a Jodo temple in Kamakura, founded in 1243. The original temple complex was destroyed by several storms, leaving its giant Daibutsu exposed. The Buddha statue has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Kanto area, and symbol of Kamakura. The great Buddha of Todai-ji in Nara was the original inspiration for the statue--it had been seen by Yoritomo and his wife Hojo Masako. <i><b>Kotoku-in. Kamakura, Kanagawa.</b></i>