Kawagoe Guided Tour No.3
Kitain Temple Kawagoe & Edo Castle Remains
Kitain Temple – Edo Castle Remains – 500 Rakan Statues
Explore the profound history and serene beauty of Kitain Temple Kawagoe, the famous Buddhist temple, founded in 830 AD and renowned for its deep ties to Japan’s shoguns.
Discover the temple’s crown jewel: the only surviving original structures from Edo Castle—the shogun residence in Tokyo—carefully relocated here in the 1630s. These authentic rooms, including the Shoin guest hall and birthplace chamber of Tokugawa Iemitsu (the third shogun) with its intricately decorated ceiling and painted sliding doors, offer a tangible connection to the Edo period’s power and elegance, making Kitain the only place where such historic Edo Castle architecture still stands today.
The tour also includes the awe-inspiring Gohyaku Rakan—over 500 unique stone statues of Buddha’s disciples, each carved with distinct expressions of joy, contemplation, serenity, and wisdom, creating a mesmerizing gallery that’s one of Japan’s most treasured spiritual artworks.
Discover the temple’s crown jewel: the only surviving original structures from Edo Castle—the shogun residence in Tokyo—carefully relocated here in the 1630s. These authentic rooms, including the Shoin guest hall and birthplace chamber of Tokugawa Iemitsu (the third shogun) with its intricately decorated ceiling and painted sliding doors, offer a tangible connection to the Edo period’s power and elegance, making Kitain the only place where such historic Edo Castle architecture still stands today.
The tour also includes the awe-inspiring Gohyaku Rakan—over 500 unique stone statues of Buddha’s disciples, each carved with distinct expressions of joy, contemplation, serenity, and wisdom, creating a mesmerizing gallery that’s one of Japan’s most treasured spiritual artworks.
Optional Extensions:
Nakain Temple: Explore its peaceful Japanese garden, a hidden oasis of dry ponds, stone lanterns, and seasonal foliage embodying Zen harmony.
Naritasan Temple: Delve into this vibrant branch of Naritasan Shinshoji, with its powerful spiritual atmosphere and cute Turtle Pond.
Naritasan Temple: Delve into this vibrant branch of Naritasan Shinshoji, with its powerful spiritual atmosphere and cute Turtle Pond.
Duration: 1 hour
Children under 10 years old join for free.
Full refund if cancelled 12 hours in advance; no refund within 12 hours.
Admission fee: Edo Castle Remains & 500 Rakan – ¥400 per person
Kindly note that facilities (e.g. museums, workshops) might be closed on your tour date.
What is included / not included in the Kawagoe guided tour?
Included in the tour price:
Expert local guide and guidance along Kawagoe’s sightseeing and historical sites.
Expert local guide and guidance along Kawagoe’s sightseeing and historical sites.
Children under 10 years old join for free.
Not included in the tour price
Guests are responsible for paying the following personally:
- Food, drinks, and any shopping or souvenirs during the tour
- Admission fees (e.g., museums, workshops)
- Transportation fees (such as bus, taxi)
Pickup at and Returning to the train station is not included in the tour.
If you don’t feel comfortable getting to the tour’s start point and/or back to the station unaccompanied, select these options from Extras during the booking process.
Additional note:
If you would like to share a meal or coffee with the guide during or after the tour, guests are responsible for covering all related expenses, including the guide’s meal or drink.
Guided tour itineraries are just flexible guidelines to give you a clear idea of the tour’s flow and highlights. The itinerary can be adjusted based on your interests, pace, or any special requests — as long as it fits within the booked time and the abilities of your guide.
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