Ofuna Kannon
A serene Buddhist temple featuring an 82-foot Kannon statue, offering peace and reflection near Ofuna Station.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Enjoy the golden hour light
Ofuna Kannon
Best Time
Enjoy the golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Buddhist temple featuring an 82-foot Kannon statue, offering peace and reflection near Ofuna Station.
"The way her face appears as you ascend the stairs alone makes it a perfect experience."
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Station
A short, uphill walk from Ofuna Station leads you to the Kannon statue.
💰 Entrance Fee & Donation
A small entrance fee of 300 Yen is required, with an option to donate further.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Great Kannon Statue
Temple grounds
An 82-foot tall concrete statue of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. Its sheer size and serene expression are captivating.
Temple Gardens
Surrounding the statue
Well-kept gardens offer a peaceful setting for contemplation and enjoying the views.
Monuments to Remembrance
Within the temple grounds
Discover monuments dedicated to remembering the A-bombs dropped on Nagasaki and Hiroshima.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Proximity to Ofuna Station
Peaceful Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
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🚶♀️ Easy Access from Station
A short, uphill walk from Ofuna Station leads you to the Kannon statue.
💰 Entrance Fee & Donation
A small entrance fee of 300 Yen is required, with an option to donate further.
🙏 Prayer & Goshuin
You can enter the statue to leave a prayer and obtain a Goshuin after donation.
📸 Visible from Train
The Kannon statue is visible from JR trains passing Ofuna Station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Easy Access from Station
A short, uphill walk from Ofuna Station leads you to the Kannon statue.
💰 Entrance Fee & Donation
A small entrance fee of 300 Yen is required, with an option to donate further.
🙏 Prayer & Goshuin
You can enter the statue to leave a prayer and obtain a Goshuin after donation.
📸 Visible from Train
The Kannon statue is visible from JR trains passing Ofuna Station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Ofuna Kannon to be a peaceful and visually striking destination, largely due to its impressive Kannon statue and well-maintained gardens. Its easy accessibility from Ofuna Station is a major plus, though some note the uphill climb. While not a large complex, it offers a serene experience and a chance for quiet reflection. +1
"A nice fresh wind (or, to be more exact: less hot wind in the summer time) and a nice view... but Öfuna is not so beautiful for a nice view. The Statue is easy to reach from the railway station, maybe 15 Minutes Walk, including the short hill distance and some Steps (not to much). The Head is worth a stop from your railway journey.
The Entrance fee is 300 Yen, you will throw in the donation Box at the entrance. And you can buy also Decent sticks (and more) at the statue. There is a automatic lighter direct by the sticks."
Rene Thöne
"A very simple temple for the goddess of mercy. There's not much besides the statue but the way her face appears as you ascend the stairs alone makes it a perfect experience. You can enter this small colossus and leave a prayer. It takes some effort to reach the temple as the path is fairly steep."
Tobias Lass
"Kannon or the Goddess of Mercy temple in Ofuna. The temple is across from the south side of Ofuna station. One can enter the place on google map and follow direction after walking down stairs from the station to below street. There is a up-slope pathway to the entrance. After paying visit fee, follow leading stairs to go up to the platform of the bust."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ofuna Kannon is located just across from the south side of Ofuna Station. After walking down stairs from the station, follow an uphill pathway to the entrance. The journey takes about 15 minutes and includes some steps.
Yes, the large white Kannon statue is visible from JR trains as they pass by Ofuna Station.
Ofuna Kannon can be a peaceful addition to a Kamakura day trip, easily accessible from Tokyo. It offers a serene experience away from the city bustle. +1
The most convenient way is to take the JR Shonan-Shinjuku line directly from Shinjuku, Tokyo to Ofuna Station, which takes about 45 minutes.
While there isn't a specific pass for Ofuna Kannon itself, if you're exploring Kamakura, consider the Enoshima-Kamakura Free Pass for unlimited rides on the Enoden line.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 300 Yen, which you can place in the donation box at the entrance.
Yes, you can enter the small colossus of the Kannon statue to leave a prayer.
While specific hours aren't always listed, visitors generally access the site during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day for the full experience.
As it is a Buddhist temple, modest attire is recommended. Avoid overly revealing clothing out of respect.
Yes, you can purchase decent sticks and other items at the statue. An automatic lighter is also available.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the temple grounds, but be respectful of worshippers and any posted restrictions.
The base of the Kannon statue, the surrounding gardens, and the view from the station offer great photo opportunities.
Yes, the Kannon statue is quite prominent and can be captured from the train window as you approach or depart Ofuna Station.
Consider visiting during the late afternoon for softer light on the statue. Capturing the scale by including people in your shots can be effective.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the Kannon statue and its surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there isn't a playground, the peaceful gardens offer a calm space for a brief rest. It's a good opportunity to introduce children to different cultural and religious sites in a less crowded setting than some of the more famous temples. Consider it as a short, impactful visit within a larger Kamakura itinerary.
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Meditators
The temple grounds provide a quiet sanctuary, away from the usual tourist crowds. You can enter the statue to leave a prayer and absorb the tranquil atmosphere. The opportunity to receive a Goshuin adds a tangible memento of your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Kannon
+1Visitors often feel a sense of peace and reverence when gazing upon the statue. Its serene expression and immense scale are designed to inspire contemplation and a feeling of spiritual comfort. Many come to leave prayers, seeking solace or guidance from the Goddess of Mercy.
Beyond its religious significance, the Kannon statue is a prominent landmark visible from afar, making it a recognizable feature of the Ofuna area. Its construction took nearly 30 years, highlighting the dedication and effort involved in its creation.
Exploring the Temple Grounds
Within the temple complex, you'll also find monuments dedicated to remembrance, including those commemorating the atomic bombings of Nagasaki and Hiroshima. These solemn sites serve as a reminder of historical events and the importance of peace.
For those interested in Buddhist traditions, there are also shrines and other rooms located within the goddess's structure, offering further insight into the temple's spiritual practices. Visitors can also obtain a Goshuin (temple stamp) after making a prayer and donation, a popular practice for pilgrims and tourists alike.
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