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+81 03-4578-2152

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Takanawa Travel K.K.,
Kitashinagawa 5-11-1
Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan

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A traditional Japanese pagoda with a tiled roof and intricate wooden details stands surrounded by bare trees and a fence on a clear, sunny day.
A stone pathway lined with rows of weathered stone statues leads to a central monument, surrounded by lush, green trees in a serene outdoor setting.
A traditional Japanese temple gate with ornate roof tiles, wooden carvings, and a red entrance, surrounded by residential buildings and bare trees under a cloudy sky.
A traditional Japanese pagoda with red wooden beams and ornate roof details stands surrounded by green trees and a red fence on a sunny day.
A young woman with long hair, wearing a black jacket, skirt, tights, and a backpack, stands alone in a sunlit park with bare trees and people in the background.
A traditional Japanese pagoda with a tiled roof and intricate wooden details stands surrounded by bare trees and a fence on a clear, sunny day.
Saitama

Kitain Temple

4.2 (5895)Buddhist TempleHistorical LandmarkTourist AttractionHistorical PlacePlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Kitain Temple in Saitama holds deep historical value. Built over a thousand years ago, it offers a unique glimpse into Japan's past. Kitain Temple temple is famed for its connection to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. Several structures from Edo Castle were relocated to Kitain, making it a rare site outside Tokyo to house parts of the original castle.

Visitors can explore the Gohyaku Rakan, 540 stone statues of Buddha's disciples, each with a distinct expression. The temple grounds include the oldest wooden building in Saitama, known as the Former Niomon Gate. The Shogun's reception rooms and other buildings reflect Edo-period architecture.

Kitain Temple also hosts an annual daruma doll market every January, attracting many visitors. Daruma dolls are symbols of perseverance and good luck. With beautiful gardens and historical treasures, Kitain Temple offers a peaceful retreat and a peek into Japan's rich cultural heritage.


Hours
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:50 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone
+81 49-222-0859
Website
kitain.net


The area

Address
Japan, 〒350-0036 Saitama, Kawagoe, Kosenbamachi, 1-chōme−20−1

Hours

Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:50 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone

+81 49-222-0859

Website

kitain.net

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.

Nearby attractions to see

Toki no Kane Time Bell Tower

Toki no Kane Time Bell Tower

A large, bright orange torii gate stands at the entrance to a shrine, surrounded by tall trees and buildings, with a few people walking beneath it on a paved path.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Yono Park

Yono Park

Jionji Temple

Jionji Temple

Nearby attractions to see

Toki no Kane Time Bell Tower

Toki no Kane Time Bell Tower

A large, bright orange torii gate stands at the entrance to a shrine, surrounded by tall trees and buildings, with a few people walking beneath it on a paved path.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Yono Park

Yono Park

Jionji Temple

Jionji Temple


More about Kitain Temple from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
  1. Home
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Profile
G Bean
Jan 19, 2026
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.
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Cri Bar
Aug 27, 2025
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
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geh dee
Dec 7, 2024
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.
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Lê Quang Kiệt
Dec 2, 2024
A beautiful shrine in the city of Kawagoe. A good place to visit, with different attractions near it, like the 500+ stone statues of the Rakan, each depicting a different personality
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cindy chong-evans
Apr 18, 2025
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