🗺️ Kita-in川越大師 喜多院

Founded by Master Jikaku in 830, this prestigious ancient temple belongs to the Tendai sect. In the early Edo period, the temple's abbot was "Tenkai Daishōjō," a renowned monk who served as an advisor to Tokugawa Ieyasu and was deeply trusted by him, making Kito-in widely known throughout Japan. After Tenkai Daishōjō, who was trusted by Tokugawa Ieyasu, took over as the 27th abbot, Kito-in received the protection of the shogunate. Subsequently, the "guest hall" of the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and the "study" used by his wet nurse Kasuga no Tsubone were relocated to Kito-in. The temple houses many important cultural properties, including buildings related to Tokugawa Iemitsu and his wet nurse Kasuga no Tsubone that were moved from Edo Castle. The expansive grounds still retain the original appearance of structures such as the Sanmon gate, the bell tower gate, and Jigen-dō, most of which are designated important cultural properties. Another major attraction is the "Five Hundred Arhats," which consists of 538 stone statues of arhats, each vividly expressing various emotions and recognized as one of the "Three Great Arhats of Japan." The temple hosts various festivals throughout the year, including the Daruma Market in January, Setsubun in February, and cherry blossom festivals in spring, providing beautiful scenery to enjoy in every season.

It still retains the appearance of the Edo period, with a deep connection to the Tokugawa family. Visitors can explore many important cultural properties, including buildings related to the third shogun Tokugawa Iemitsu and his wet nurse Kasuga no Tsubone, which were relocated from Edo Castle. There are 538 stone statues of the Five Hundred Arhats on the grounds. A variety of vibrant events are held throughout the year, including the Daruma Market in January, the Setsubun Festival in February, and the Cherry Blossom Festival in spring. Beautiful scenery can be enjoyed in every season.