Buddhist temple
Kita-in
喜多院（きたいん）
Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture
A Tendai temple affectionately known as Kawagoe Daishi, which enshrines its principal image, Amida Nyorai, along with Fudō Myōō, Bishamonten and others. Archbishop Tenkai lived here in the Edo period, and buildings associated with the Tokugawa family remain.
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Amida Nyorai
History and things to know
According to the temple's tradition, it was an imperial prayer temple founded in Tenchō 7 (830) by Jikaku Daishi Ennin, and was at first called Muryōju-ji. After the fighting of Genkyū 2 (1205), it was revived by Archbishop Sonkai in Einin 4 (1296), and in the Edo period it flourished under Archbishop Tenkai. It lost many halls in the Great Kawagoe Fire of Kan'ei 15 (1638), and what was restored on the orders of the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu, makes up most of the present buildings.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 喜多院「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-21 確認）
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