Kita-in
★ 4.2 ｜ 6,036 reviews
Edo Castle relics · 500 Rakan statues · historic temple
📍 Japan, 〒350-0036 Saitama, Kawagoe, Kosenbamachi, 1-chōme−２０−１
🕐
Hours
- 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
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 4:50 PM
About
Buddhist temple with gardens & over 500 statues, first built in 830 CE & rebuilt after fires.
The full picture
An ancient Buddhist temple in Kawagoe dating back to 830 CE, famous for its connections to the Tokugawa shogunate and a collection of 500 unique stone statues.
It suits history enthusiasts, spiritual seekers, and those looking for a quiet retreat with traditional architecture and gardens.
Late afternoon is ideal for avoiding crowds, while the Daruma festival is a major highlight for a lively cultural experience.
💡 The entrance to the 500 statues can be difficult to spot; look in the corner next to the snack shop.
Visitors love
- peaceful atmosphere
- 500 unique stone statues
- impressive red pagoda
- quality daruma dolls
- well-maintained gardens
Some note
- limited english signage
- hard to find statue entrance
Good to know
- good for kids?
- Not mentioned in reviews.
- OK on a rainy day?
- The museum and temple halls offer indoor viewing, though the statues and gardens are outdoors.
- how long to stay?
- Not mentioned in reviews.
- reservation needed?
- Not mentioned in reviews.
Visitor reviews
★★★★★
Kita-in Temple is a beautiful and historically rich Buddhist temple with a very peaceful atmosphere. The temple complex is quite large and walking through the grounds feels like stepping back into another era of Japan. The architecture is impressive, especially the traditional wooden halls and the striking red pagoda that stands out beautifully against the surrounding trees.
What makes this place special is the sense of calm you feel while exploring the different areas of the temple. The gardens are well maintained and the overall atmosphere is quiet and reflective, making it a perfect place f
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
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
★★★★★
Very relaxed place, managed to get an interaction from one of the locals, the gentleman very kindly read and translated our fortunes.
Bonus, if you looking for good quality Daruma dolls right at the small kiosk in the main entrance they have the best ones I saw in 2 weeks of searching for very decent prices.
★★★★
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.