Kita-in, Buddhist temple in Kosenbamachi, Kawagoe, Japan.
The temple grounds contain a collection of 540 stone rakan statues, each carved between 1782 and 1825 with individual facial expressions and poses.
Founded in 830 by monk Ennin under Emperor Junna's orders, Kita-in gained influence through patronage from the first three Tokugawa shoguns in the 1600s.
After the 1638 fire, Shogun Iemitsu transferred sections of Edo Castle to Kita-in, including the hall where he was born, now designated Important Cultural Property.
The temple opens daily from 8:50 AM until 4:00 PM in winter and 4:30 PM in summer, with admission tickets required to access the rakan statues and museum.
The temple houses rakan sculptures expressing varied emotions through unconventional poses, including figures drinking sake and reading scrolls with joyful expressions.
Location: Kosenbamachi
Inception: 830
Founders: Ennin
Part of: Kantō 36 Fudō Pilgrimage, 小江戶川越七福神
Address: 埼玉県川越市小仙波町1-20-1
Website: https://kawagoe.com/kitain
GPS coordinates: 35.91752,139.48907
Latest update: May 26, 2025 20:56
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