Temple · Kawagoe

Kitain Temple 喜多院

Kawagoe's head Tendai temple, holding the only surviving palace rooms of Edo Castle and 538 smiling Gohyaku Rakan stone statues.

Hours9:00-16:30 (Nov 24-Feb: 9:00-16:00); Sundays/holidays 20 min longer; last entry 30 min before

ClosedDec 25-Jan 8; Feb 2 (afternoon)-3; Apr 2-4

PriceAdult: ¥400
Elementary/junior high student: ¥200

Getting thereSeibu Hon-Kawagoe Station, 15 min walk

Time needed1-2 hours

Best timeAutumn leaves (late Nov); spring cherry blossoms

Address1-20-1 Kosenbamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-0036

Websitekitain.net

About

Kitain flourished under the priest Tenkai, advisor to the first three Tokugawa shoguns. After a fire in 1638, Iemitsu had palace buildings moved here from Edo Castle, including the room where he was said to be born. Nearby, 538 stone disciples of Buddha show a wide range of expressions.

Highlights

Edo Castle palace rooms (Important Cultural Properties)
Gohyaku Rakan: 538 stone arhat statues
Tahoto pagoda
Daruma market on January 3

Tips

15-20 min walk from Hon-Kawagoe or Kawagoe Station
Closed Dec 25-Jan 8 and some festival days
Look for a rakan that resembles you, a local custom

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-11

Plan it in Tabitomo

Save Kitain Temple to your trip, see reviews and photos from travelers, and get directions.

Open in the app