What other travelers are saying about Kitain Temple
Went to the Daruma fest. Enjoyed street food. I queued for the fortune telling but realized I do not even understand the language. Got tiny Darumas instead to inspire me to reach my goals this year. 500 yen each - i learned later they sell for 440 in Jimbocho, but it is more fun to get them at the fair. (Jimbocho has other claim on my wallet but my first Daruma fair i gotta get a Daruma.) Highly recommend.
Kitain Temple is significant as it is closely tied to the Tokugawa shogunate. Parts of Edo Castle, once home to the shoguns, were moved here, making it a unique site.
Kitain Temple was founded by Ennin, also known as Jikaku Daishi, in 830 AD. It has a long history spanning over a millennium.
Yes, the temple hosts a daruma doll market in January, where visitors can buy these good luck charms. The market is one of the largest in Japan.
Yes, the temple has several Edo-period artifacts, including buildings like the Shogun's reception rooms and the Former Niomon Gate.
During the market, visitors can purchase daruma dolls, write their wishes, and paint in one eye. Once the wish is fulfilled, they paint in the other eye.
I went late in the day and it was very quiet and there was no crowd. It is a beautiful temple area with a lot of history.
I found the 500 statues, each with their own personality, to be the highlight of the visit. The entrance took a little time to find because I didn't know it is in a dark corner next to the snack shop.
The ticket to see the statues includes the museum...or the other way around. The museum has a lot of interesting items in the actual rooms that were used. For non-Japanese speakers, like me, not everything is marked in English so i had to use my phone to translate for me. Not a problem anymore.
Taking the bus was easy but check the schedule since it doesn't come too often.
This is a good place to visit while in Kawagoe.
Kita-in Temple is a significant Buddhist temple. It is a major historical and cultural landmark, with a fascinating history that ties it directly to the powerful Tokugawa shogunate. But Kita-in is not just a historical site; it's also a vibrant center of local life.
Kita-in Temple is easily accessible and a must-visit for anyone exploring Kawagoe, providing a tangible link to the country's feudal past and a serene escape from the bustling city.
Nice big temple. You have to pay 400 to go inside. You also cannot take pictures inside which is normal. Nice that i was like able to walk on a japanese temple feel environment. Pictures are trees as seen from inside
Nice, peaceful, and quiet temple, not far from the station. It did not take us more than 30 minutes to completely visit the temple ground but more than that to sit down and enjoy the beautiful sceneries.
