Kitain Temple

Kitain Temple (喜多院) is a Buddhist temple located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The temple is known for its rich history and cultural significance, as well as for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.

The temple was founded in the 8th century by the Jikaku Daishi, and it became an important center of Buddhism in the Kanto region during the Edo period (1603-1868).

Of special note at Kita-in Temple is the Five Hundred Arhats. The Five Hundred Arhats at Kita-in Temple are unique in that no one has the same expression or pose. Some of the statues are laughing, crying, angry, or thinking, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Humorous expressions can also be seen on some of the statues, such as those with animals in tow or playing musical instruments.

Another highlight of Kitain Temple is the Taho-to Pagoda, a five-story wooden pagoda that was originally built in 1639. The pagoda is decorated with intricate carvings and painted panels, and it offers stunning views of the surrounding gardens and countryside.

The temple’s gardens are also a popular attraction, featuring a variety of ponds, streams, and carefully manicured landscapes. One of the most famous gardens is the Engetsu-kyo Bridge, a picturesque bridge that spans a pond and is surrounded by cherry trees and other flowering plants.

Kitain Temple is also home to several other important cultural artifacts, including a collection of historic statues, scrolls, and other religious artifacts, as well as the remains of the former Edo Castle, which was dismantled and relocated to the temple grounds in the 19th century.

Getting there

From Kawagoe Station to Kitain Temple:

Bus	Kawagoe Station ↓ Bus Number 本52 ↓ 4 minutes (3 stops) Kitain-iriguchi ↓ Walk about 8 minutes ↓ Kitain Temple (Cost 100 yen)
Walk	About 21 minutes (1.5 km)

Details

Hours	9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Admission	Free
Phone	+81 49-222-0859
Address	〒350-0036 Saitama, Kawagoe, Kosenbamachi, 1 Chome−２０−1
Resources	https://www.kawagoe-kankou.net/kankou/kitain/