The construction of the great bronze Buddha statue at the KÅtoku-in temple in Kamakura was begun in 1252 and it was declared a national treasure in 1958. It is truly an awesome sight.
At about 11.3 meters in height and weighing 121 tons, it is massive in size. The fine details make the Buddha very accessible, even lifelike.
It was originally housed in a great hall and gilded, until the hall was destroyed twice by strong winds. You can pay a fee to climb up inside the statue, known as the Diabutsu, and look out of windows in the back.