Kita-in Temple in Kawagoe
Kita-in is a Buddhist temple in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. It was founded in 830 by the priest Jikaku Daishi (Ennin) as Muryoju Temple. Muryoju is another name for Amitabha Buddha (Buddha of Unending Life) the main object of worship at the Temple. Burned down during fighting in 1205, the temple was rebuilt in 1296 by the monk Sonkai. Emperor Gofushimi made it head of the Tendai Sect temples in east Japan in 1300. It achieved its greatest fame and influence under the priest Tenkai and was patronized by the first three Tokugawa shoguns Ieyasu, Hidetada, and Iemitsu.
The main hall of the temple was part of the original Edo Castle.
Kitain Temple is a 15 minute walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station.
Open: March 1-November 23: Weekdays 8.50-16.30, Sundays and holidays 8.50-16.50
November 24-February 28: Weekdays 8.50-16.00, Sundays and holidays 8.50-16.20
Admission fee: Adults 400 yen
