Overview (history, characteristics, attractions)
Kitain Temple is an ancient Tendai Buddhist temple in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, said to have been founded by Jikaku Daishi (Ennin) in the Heian period. During the Edo period, the relationship between Sojo Tenkai and the Tokugawa Shogunate deepened, and the temple's status was elevated. One of its distinctive features is that remains of Edo Castle have been relocated to the main hall and shoin study, making it a place where you can get a close-up feel for the formality and architecture of the Edo period. There are also many attractions, such as the 500 Arhats (approximately 540 statues) lined up in the Arhat Hall, the spacious grounds, and the gardens, making it a popular tourist spot, along with the atmosphere of Kawagoe's "Little Edo."
Highlights
- 500 Arhats Hall: The sight of the rows of arhat statues, each with a different expression, is a sight to behold. If you take your time to look around, you will never get bored as each one has its own unique personality.
- Shoin (guest hall) and remains of Edo CastleRemains of Edo Castle have been relocated to the main hall and shoin study, and you can see rooms of particular historical value, such as the Iemitsu Room (some interior visits may require a fee or time limit).
- Precincts and gardensThe gardens and trees are well-maintained to show different faces throughout the seasons, and the scenery is especially beautiful during the autumn foliage season.
- Seasonal events: Many worshippers visit the shrine on Setsubun, the Flower Festival, and New Year's visits, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of traditional events.
Access (nearest station, transportation, etc.)
- Nearest station: About a 10-minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line. Also, it is about a 20-minute walk or conveniently accessible by bus from Kawagoe Station on the JR Tobu Tojo Line.
- Bus: Take the city loop bus or local bus from Kawagoe Station or Honkawagoe Station and get off near Kitain Temple.
- By car: Accessible from the Kawagoe IC on the Kan-etsu Expressway and from various ICs on the Ken-O Expressway. There are paid parking lots in the area, but they can get crowded during the tourist season.
- Note: Public transportation can be crowded on weekends and during festivals. This is an area that is also enjoyable to explore on foot (you can walk to the Kurazukuri Townscape and the Bell Tower of Time).
Estimated stay (estimated time required)
- A quick tour of the temple grounds: 30 to 45 minutes
- A leisurely tour of the main temples and pagodas and the 500 Arhats: 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes
- Sightseeing including the surrounding area (including the Kurazukuri Street and Kashiya Yokocho): Half a day to a full day
Nearby spots
- Storehouse Street (Kawagoe Ichibangai) - A cluster of merchant houses with an Edo atmosphere (approximately 10-20 minutes on foot)
- Toki no Kane (Bell of Time) — Kawagoe's iconic bell tower (approximately 15 minutes' walk)
- Kashiya Yokocho — A street lined with traditional sweet shops (approximately 20 minutes walk)
- Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Palace — Reconstructed Honmaru Palace (approximately 10-15 minutes walk)
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine — A shrine famous for matchmaking (accessible by bus or on foot)
Things to be aware of (crowds, manners, seasonal precautions, etc.)
- congestion: The area is extremely crowded on weekends, public holidays, during the cherry blossom season in spring, the autumn foliage season, and during the Kawagoe Festival and New Year's visit to the shrine in October every year. Public transportation and parking lots will also be crowded, so please allow yourself plenty of time.
- Visitor etiquette:Temples are religious facilities. Please refrain from talking loudly and from eating and drinking within the temple grounds. Photography is prohibited in some areas of the halls and shoin study rooms, so please follow the posted notices.
- Clothing and ease of walking: The temple grounds and surrounding area are paved with stone steps, uneven grounds, and slopes. Wear comfortable walking shoes for a comfortable visit. Be careful as the grounds can be slippery in rainy weather.
- Seasonal measures: In summer, you need to take measures against the heat (hats and staying hydrated), and in winter, you need to dress warmly. During the autumn foliage and cherry blossom season, the early morning and evening hours are also beautiful, and are effective for avoiding the crowds.
- Admission fee and opening and closing times: Shoin and special open areas may require a fee or time system. We recommend checking official information or tourist guides in advance to confirm opening and closing times on the day.
Kita-in Temple is an attractive spot where historical architecture and the everyday townscape of Kawagoe are located side by side. If you take your time to explore the surrounding area, you can enjoy the charm of "Little Edo Kawagoe" even more.
