[For Seniors] Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts About the Great Buddha of Kamakura: Questions You'll Want to Share

656 pieces

Currently, 656 spiral curls (rahatsu) have been confirmed on the Great Buddha of Kamakura. By the way, the Great Buddha of Nara has 996 spiral curls.

the year 1252

The Great Buddha of Kamakura began casting in 1252, in the early Kamakura period, and is estimated to have been completed by 1264.

true blue eyes

The eyes of the Great Buddha of Kamakura are called “Shinshō Gensō,” literally “true blue eye aspect.” When glimpsed from beneath the eyelids, the statue’s eyes appear downcast and are carved perpendicular to the face.

National Treasure: Seated Bronze Statue of Amida Nyorai (Amitabha)

The formal name of the Great Buddha of Kamakura is “National Treasure: Seated Bronze Amitabha Buddha,” and it was designated a National Treasure in 1958 (Showa 33).

Great Buddha of Nara

The Great Buddha of Nara is 18.03 meters tall, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura is about 11.39 meters tall.

approximately 121 tons

The Great Buddha weighs about 121 tons. By the way, the Buddha’s ears are as long as about 1.8 meters.

50 yen

An additional 50 yen is required to enter the interior, separate from the admission fee for the Great Buddha of Kamakura. For reference, the Great Buddha admission fee is 300 yen for junior high school students and older, 150 yen for elementary school students, and free for preschool children.