ABOUT
About this spot
Kita-in is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Kosenba-cho, Kawagoe, Saitama, and is affectionately known as Kawagoe Daishi. Its main image is Amida Nyorai, and it is the 28th temple of the Kanto 36 Fudo pilgrimage and the third of the Koedo Kawagoe Seven Lucky Gods. The temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 830 by the monk Ennin. It was restored in 1296, and in 1599 the priest Tenkai took charge and renamed it Kita-in. After the great Kawagoe fire of 1638, Tokugawa Iemitsu is said to have had buildings from the Momijiyama villa of Edo Castle moved here, forming the basis of today's Kyakuden, Shoin and Kuri halls. The Kyakuden, Shoin, Kuri, Jigendo, bell-tower gate and main gate are designated Important Cultural Properties. In the Shoin you can see the room traditionally associated with Lady Kasuga, with a dry landscape garden in front. The Gohyaku Rakan, 538 stone figures made between 1782 and 1825, is counted among Japan's three great rakan sites. The temple is busy at New Year, and autumn leaves are another highlight. Check the official website for viewing hours and closed periods.
Last updated October 24, 2026