Travel in Saitama
Kitain
Kitain · Kitain Temple · 喜多院
Kitain has buildings relocated from Edo Castle and 500 rakan stone figures. After exploring the buildings, compare the figures’ faces and poses. Combine the visit with a walk through Kawagoe’s old streets.
Official English guide Sources and dates checked Sources and dates checked
Visitor information at a glance
Address
川越市小仙波町1丁目20番地1号
1-20-1 Kosemba-machi, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture 350-0036, Japan
View location on the map →Admission
Individual admission costs JPY 400 for adults and JPY 200 for primary and junior high school pupils.
Opening hours and closed days
Visits start at 09:00. From 1 March to 23 November, closing is 16:30 on weekdays and 16:50 on Sundays and public holidays. From 24 November to the end of February, closing is 16:00 on weekdays and 16:20 on Sundays and public holidays. Admission ends 30 minutes before closing. For Saturdays or specific event dates, check the temple’s visitor information for your date.
What can I see at Kitain?
Temple buildings and stone figures
Explore the buildings relocated from Edo Castle, then compare the faces and poses of the 500 rakan figures. Each has a different expression to look for.
How to get to Kitain
Kitain is about 15 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station or 20 minutes from Kawagoe Station.
Kitain visiting guidance Official English guide Temple gate construction notice
Before you visit
Plan around last admission, before closing time
Admission to the paid areas ends 30 minutes before closing. Arrive well before last admission to see both the buildings and the rakan figures.
Visitor closures during events
Paid visitor areas close from 25 December to 8 January, from the afternoon of 2 February through 3 February, and from 2 to 4 April. Temple events may bring further closures.
Follow diversions during temple gate repairs
A notice updated in June 2026 schedules temple gate repairs until around September 2027. During the works, follow gate access restrictions and the route marked on site.
Questions about Kitain
Where should you start when combining Kitain and the old streets?
Visit Kitain first if you want to see the buildings and rakan figures. Admission ends 30 minutes before closing; continue to the old streets after the temple visit.
Kitain visiting guidance Kitain’s historic buildings and 500 rakan figures
Sources and dates checked
- Official English guide ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Sources and dates checked ·
- Kitain visiting guidance ·
- Temple gate construction notice ·
Editorial review: