Most people probably don’t recognize the name of Kotoku-in, however most people will recognize the large statue that resides outside of this temple. Located in the beautiful city of Kamakura just 31 miles outside of Tokyo, a large bronze statue of Buddha has long brought people on a Japan trip to this city of just more than 174,000 people to witness this giant statue in person. However, the statue, one of the most famous icons in Japan, actually has some interesting facts that few people know about it:

• The statue was built in 1252 according to temple records, after a giant wooden version of the statue was damaged in a storm in 1248.

• This replacement statue was originally gilded (a technique for applying fine gold or leaf or powder to solid surfaces such as wood, stone or metal to give it a thin coating of gold) and there are still traces of gold leaf near the statue’s ears.

• The statue was originally housed in a large wooden building; however a storm in 1335 ruined this structure leaving the statue without a shelter.

• At one point, the statue was neglected to the point that it became a place where homeless and gamblers often lived.

• Several horizontal lines appear on the statue, giving an indication that the statue was built from eight large pieces of bronze. Despite this clue, no one knows precisely how the statue was constructed.

• The statue is approximately 13.35 meters tall and weighs approximately 93 tons.

• Despite its enormous weight, the statue is actually hollow and visitors can view the interior when on their trip to Japan.

• At one time, there were 32 bronze lotus petals at the base statue. Now however, only four remain.

• The Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 (an earthquake that reportedly measured 7.9 on the Richter scale and lasted 4 to 10 minutes) destroyed the based the statue once sat on. It was later repaired in 1925. Later, modifications were made to the statue’s neck to prepare it against earthquakes.

People from all around the world have made sure to book sightseeing trips of Japan just to see this tremendous statue. Book your Japan tour today and see this amazing marvel with AsiaImpressions!