Key Tour Highlights

Explore 1,200 Years of Temple History

Explore Kitain Temple, founded all the way back in 830 AD and discover how it became the head temple of the Tendai Sect in the Kanto region and a favored sanctuary of the ruling Tokugawa shoguns.

The Strategic Influence of Priest Tenkai

Learn how Kitain grew into a powerful spiritual center because its 27 th head priest, Tenkai, was a deeply trusted adviser and confidant to three consecutive shoguns: Tokugawa Ieyasu, Hidetada, and Iemitsu.

Walk Inside the Only Surviving Edo Castle Palace Rooms

Walk inside actual palace chambers where Japanese shoguns lived, slept, and ruled. Tour the beautifully preserved palace rooms relocated here in the 1630, walk through the elegant Shoin guest hall, and stand in the birthplace chamber of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, featuring a gorgeous, hand-painted floral ceiling.

Find Your Match Among 500 Unique Stone Statues

Stand in the quiet courtyard of the famous Gohyaku Rakan—over 500 hand-carved stone disciples of Buddha, each displaying a wonderfully distinct, expressive human emotion like joy, wisdom, or deep meditation.

Possible Tour Extentions

Adapt your tour to step into the peaceful Zen garden of Nakain Temple or discover the charming turtle pond at Naritasan Temple right next door!

Why Choose This Tour?

Fascinating Shogun History

Walk inside actual palace chambers where ancient Japanese shoguns lived, slept, and ruled.

Local Expert Guide

Learn interesting historical facts, local folklore and hidden gems from a guide who lives right here in the neighborhood.

Perfect for Families

Children under the age of 10 join completely free, and the flat, stroller-friendly route makes for a comfortable walk for all generations.

Itinerary

The Sacred Grounds of Kitain Temple

We will walk through the large Sanmon Gate, explore the peaceful main courtyard and visit the Main Hall of the temple. Founded in the year 830 AD, this historic site has stood as a spiritual pillar for nearly 1,200 years. We will discover why this temple became so powerful. Kitain rose to incredible prominence because its chief monk, Priest Tenkai, was a trusted adviser and key strategist to three consecutive shoguns of Japan. Your guide will share the fascinating stories of his strong political bonds and how they shaped the destiny of Kawagoe.

The Original Palace Chambers of Edo Castle

Next, we step inside the crown jewel of Kitain: the actual, original rooms of Tokyo’s grand Edo Castle! When a devastating fire destroyed most of the temple in 1638, the third Tokugawa Shogun, Iemitsu, ordered several palace rooms to be dismantled and relocated from Tokyo to Kawagoe to rebuild the temple. Since Tokyo’s actual castle was entirely destroyed by subsequent earthquakes and war, these are the only surviving rooms left. Walk inside actual palace chambers where ancient Japanese shoguns lived, slept, and ruled. We will walk through the elegant Shoin guest hall and stand in the beautifully preserved birthplace chamber of Shogun Iemitsu, where you can admire the intricately hand-painted sliding doors and a stunning floral ceiling. (¥400 Admission Fee)

The Courtyard of 500 Rakan Statues

We will stroll around a quiet courtyard to marvel at the famous Gohyaku Rakan—over 500 hand-carved stone statues of Buddha’s disciples. Carved over a span of 50 years during the late Edo period, no two of these statues are alike! Some are laughing, some are lost in deep contemplation, and others are whispering secrets. Local folklore says if you look closely, you will find one statue that looks exactly like yourself or a loved one!

Optional Tour Extensions

Because Nakain Temple and Naritasan Temple are located right next to Kitain, you can extend the tour to visit one or both of these temples.

Cost: ¥2000 per group flat rate (select as in “Extra” during checkout).

• Nakain Temple: A quiet Zen sanctuary featuring a beautiful dry-landscape Japanese garden, stone lanterns and statues, and lovely seasonal flowers.
• Naritasan Temple: A vibrant, historic Buddhist temple right next to Kitain, featuring a lively spiritual atmosphere and a cute pond filled with turtles.