It's practically flat from Hase Station to the Great Buddha (less than 1 kilometre from the station - Hasedera is closer). Only a handful of steps at Kotokuin itself but you can easily see the statue without walking up them. Hasedera however has many more stairs to climb - the temple complex is arranged in tiers as it's on a hill. There's 3 sets of stairs before you reach the main temple hall (about 2 flights in total I guess??). There are more stairs above that if you want an ocean view. But there's some interesting things on the lowest level (including a cave). I visited Kotokuin first because a massive crowd peeled off to go to Hasedera and I was happy to get away from them. It really depends on your preference.

Yep around 190yen. Discount tickets which include access to the attractions are avaiable. Also if you have a Suica or Pasmo card (available to purchase everywhere) you can use those to travel on the enoshima electric railway (also very useful for Tokyo metro line and buses etc).....if you have time then travel further down the line and visit the Enoshima sea candle too.. .great views of mount Fuji if it's a clear day!

境内では使用可だと思いますが、混雑しているのでカメラスタンドを使うのは苦労するでしょう。

Yes, you can inside the Buddha for an extra charge. Lovely, peaceful grounds with a gift shop and refreshments.

Best is to travel by metro train (JR). You can board JR from Sakuragicho station. As far as train tickets are concerned, it's better to have the train pass (Suica or any other). It can be obtained from the ticket machines deployed at the station itself. Get it for 1000 yen, of which 500 yen would be deducted as the security deposit (which is refundable when you return the card on your departure from Japan). You can refer the following path to reach The Great Buddha. 1. Board the train from Sakuragicho station at the Negishi Line to reach Ofuna station. I think it runs from platform number 3. 2. Get off the train at Ofuna Station. Board the train from Ofuna station at Yokosuka line to reach Kamakura station. 3. Get off the train at Kamakura station. Board the train from here at the Enoshima Dentetsu Line to reach Hase station. 4. Get off the train at Hase station. You have to walk from here for about 650m to reach Great Buddha. Don't worry about getting lost at all. Google maps works way better here and most importantly, Japanese people are very helpful. Note: 1. Reacharge Suica with enough yen before commencing your journey as you will find that most of the places accept Suica for any purchase. Do carry some amount of cash as well. 2. Have a working internet connection on your cellular device along with the google maps app. It's way too useful too not get lost. 3. If you like to walk, you can reach the Great Buddha from Kamakura Station itself. It's about 1.2 km from there. As weather is good most of the time in Jaoan, you won't feel uncomfortable. Hope this helps. Have a wonderful stay in Japan.

We found it better to catch the train there and the monorail back. That way, you get to see the views of the sea and surrounding areas.

Open and if you go in tourist season the answer is yes

Hi Celine, if you're taking JR from Tokyo, you can take 1. JR Shonan-Shinjuku Line(Via Yokosuka Line)' bound for ZUSHI from Shinjuku first to Kamakura station. 2. Then from Kamakura station, switch to Enoshima Electric Railway bound for FUJISAWA to Hase station. 3. Kotokuin Temple is within some walking distance from Hase station.

We visited the temple on Mar. 11, 2016, a day after the cleaning/inspection was done. There were no signs of scaffolding or work.