20 Temples in Saitama worth your time

A historic Shingon Chisan temple founded in 1469, famous for its early-blooming cherry trees and a gate from a samurai residence.

What it is

• A Shingon Chisan sect temple founded by priest Eikai Hoin in 1469.
• The temple is dedicated to the main deity Enmei Jizo Bosatsu.
• It historically managed forty-four branch temples and received land from the Edo Shogunate.
• The grounds house a memorial mound dedicated to the rebel Taira no Masakado.

What to see

• A temple gate originally located at a former Satsuma Domain residence.
• A traditional circular garden and a quiet bamboo path.
• Angyo cherry trees that bloom across the temple grounds.
• Ritual spaces used for Goma fire ceremonies and vehicle blessings.

When to go

• Visit in early spring to see the Angyo cherry trees in bloom.
• The cherry trees reach full bloom during the spring equinox.

Getting there

• The temple is an eight minute walk from the Angyohara Danchi bus stop.

Official site

www.mituzoin.jp

Read more about Mitsuzō-in (Kawaguchi, Saitama)

A historic Rinzai Zen temple founded in 723, serving as the twenty-fourth stop on the famous Chichibu Pilgrimage route.

What it is

• A Rinzai school Zen temple located in Chichibu City known as Kochizan.
• Founded in 723 by Taicho and originally served as a Shugendo temple.
• The twenty-fourth site on the traditional thirty-four stop Chichibu Pilgrimage.
• A designated historical landmark of Chichibu City belonging to the Nanzen-ji branch.

What to see

• The sacred grounds where Hakusan Gongen from Kaga Province was enshrined.
• Historical architecture and markers signifying its status as a pilgrimage destination.

Getting there

• Five minutes on foot from the Fudasho Nijuyonban bus stop.
• Accessible via Seibu Kanko bus departing from Seibu Chichibu Station.
• Located two point three kilometers from the neighboring Ongaku-ji temple.
• Situated two point nine kilometers away from the pilgrimage site Kyusho-ji.

Read more about Hosen-ji Temple

A historic Shingon Buddhist temple featuring a National Treasure main hall and intricate carvings, located in Kumagaya, Saitama.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple established in 1179 by Saito Betto Sanemori
• Commonly known as Menuma Shoden-zan and dedicated to the deity Daisho Kangiten
• Recognized as one of the three major Shoden temples in Japan
• The 88th site on the Kanto 88 Pilgrimage circuit

What to see

• The Shodendo main hall which was designated a National Treasure in 2012
• The Kisomon Gate which is a designated Important Cultural Property
• Detailed architecture rebuilt between the years 1735 and 1760
• Local specialty long thin inari sushi sold in the surrounding area

When to go

• Major festivals are held annually on April 18 and 19
• Autumn festival celebrations take place on October 18 and 19

Getting there

• Accessible by taking a bus from Kumagaya Station

Official site

www.ksky.ne.jp

Read more about Kangi-in Temple

A Soto Zen temple in Yokoze serving as the seventh stop on the historic Chichibu Kannon Pilgrimage route.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple serving as the seventh site of the Chichibu Pilgrimage.
• Founded by Ryodo Kansei during the early seventeenth century.
• Designated as a historical site of Yokoze Town.
• The current site replaces the original seventh pilgrimage building that burned down in 1782.

What to see

• A main hall designed based on drawings by the scholar Hiraga Gennai.
• An eleven-headed Kannon statue enshrined as the main image of worship.
• A colored paper Nirvana painting created in 1787 and designated as a cultural property.
• The Kannon hall located conveniently inside the main temple building.

Getting there

• A ten-minute walk from the Yokozebashi bus stop.
• Located 0.7 kilometers away from the sixth pilgrimage site.

Read more about Hocho-ji Temple

A historic Soto Zen temple on the Chichibu pilgrimage featuring a legendary stone handprint from the king of hell.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple known as the 25th site of the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage.
• The site is designated as a Chichibu City Historic Site since 1965.
• It is associated with the legend of the Okuno Ogre and King Enma.
• The temple features a Kannon hall dedicated to a deceased mother.

What to see

• A stone handprint reportedly left by King Enma is enshrined on the grounds.
• The Kannon hall serves as a central point of worship for pilgrims.
• The temple grounds are situated under the mountain name Iwayasan.

Getting there

• The temple is a 25-minute walk from Uramayaguchi Station.
• Buses from Seibu-Chichibu Station stop at the nearby Kuna bus stop.
• It is located 2.9 kilometers away from Hosen-ji Temple.

Read more about Kyūshō-ji Temple

An ancient Shingon Buddhist temple in Kumagaya famous for its extensive hydrangea gardens and historic cultural artifacts.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon Buddhist temple founded by the monk Gyoki in 743.
• Restored by Kukai during the early Heian period.
• Known locally as the Hydrangea Temple of Menuma.
• A spiritual site housing city-designated cultural properties and ancient artifacts.

What to see

• Gardens containing 800 hydrangea plants of 50 different varieties.
• A temple bell cast in 1701 featuring rare Sanskrit characters.
• A city-designated Amida Sanzon stone stupa.
• Inner sanctuary ceiling paintings designated as cultural properties.
• The Heart Sutra handwritten by Kukai.

When to go

• Visit during June to see the hydrangeas in bloom.

Getting there

• Accessible via the Yuyu Bus Glider Wagon.

Read more about Nōgo-ji Temple

A historic Soto Zen temple featuring over 1,300 stone Buddha statues and serving as the fourth Chichibu Pilgrimage site.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple located in Chichibu City also known as Araki-dera.
• The fourth site of the thirty-four temple Chichibu Pilgrimage route.
• A designated historical site of Chichibu City with centuries of heritage.

What to see

• Over 1,300 stone Buddha statues mostly carved between 1781 and 1804.
• The Child-rearing Kannon statue housed within the temple main hall.
• The grave of Seijuro Arafune located on the temple grounds.
• Stone statues designated as a Saitama Prefecture Tangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from the Kinsho-ji bus stop.
• A twenty-minute walk from the third pilgrimage site.
• Located 1.3 kilometers away from the fifth pilgrimage site.

Read more about Kinshō-ji Temple

A Shingon sect temple in Saitama featuring a historic Jizo statue and a city-designated weeping cherry tree.

What it is

• A Shingon Chisan sect temple founded by Hatakeyama Shigetada between 1190 and 1199
• The site was moved to its current location around 1600 by Kenmei
• The main hall was completed in 1926 and houses city-designated tangible cultural properties
• The temple grounds are a designated no-photography zone for visitors

What to see

• A Muromachi period statue known as the Okuri Jizo
• The Chiyo-zakura weeping cherry tree which is a city-designated natural monument
• A Tahoto pagoda inaugurated on May 17, 1981
• The Nio-mon and Niten-mon gates built in 1992

Getting there

• The temple is a seven-minute walk from Yono-Honmachi Station

Official site

www.evam.ne.jp

Read more about Enjō-in Temple

A Jodo sect temple in Saitama City featuring historic Buddhist statues and the grave of a notable Confucian scholar.

What it is

• A Jodo sect temple founded between 1573 and 1592 by Fuko Kanchi Kokushi.
• The site was previously occupied by a temple belonging to the Shingon sect.
• It serves as the final resting place for the Confucian scholar Nishizawa Koya.

What to see

• A statue known as the Tooth Buddha is housed within the temple grounds.
• The Sho Kannon statue is a designated cultural property of Saitama City.
• The grave of Nishizawa Koya is recognized as a city historical site.
• Historical materials and a letter written by the daimyo Date Masamune are kept here.

Getting there

• The temple is a twelve minute walk from Kita-Yono Station.

Read more about Chōden-ji Temple

A Jodo Shinshu temple in Saitama City featuring historic clan graves and a monthly local morning market.

What it is

• A Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha temple founded by Shaku Yuzon.
• The site dates back to at least the mid-Muromachi period.
• The temple is currently managed by the twenty-fifth generation chief priest.
• It serves as the burial site for the Hatamoto Ooka clan.

What to see

• An Amida Nyorai statue provided by Nishi Hongwanji in 1601.
• The graves of the Ooka clan, including the official Takiyama.
• A large parking lot that hosts community events.

When to go

• The Iwatsuki An-non Morning Market occurs every third Sunday.

Getting there

• The temple is a nineteen-minute walk from Iwatsuki Station.

Official site

jyougenji.jp

Read more about Jōgen-ji Temple

A Shingon Chisan sect temple in Kawaguchi featuring ancient stone monuments and artifacts designated as Tangible Cultural Properties.

What it is

• A temple of the Shingon Chisan sect located in Kawaguchi City
• The priest Yuken restored the temple structures in 1546
• The main hall enshrines a statue of Amida Nyorai
• The site is recognized as one of the Eight Views of Hatogaya

What to see

• A Jizo Bosatsu statue with a missing left hand standing by the main image
• A stone monument dating back to the year 1333
• An Amida Koshin tower constructed in 1665
• A stone monument marking the site of Gotanda no Rakugan
• Two artifacts designated by the city as Tangible Cultural Properties

Getting there

• The temple is a three minute walk from Minami-Hatogaya Station

Official site

www.jisshouji.or.jp

Read more about Jisshō-ji Temple

An ancient Shingon Buddhist temple founded by an emperor's son, featuring statues carved by the famous monk Kukai.

What it is

• A temple of the Chisan school of Shingon Buddhism founded in 774.
• Established by Kaisei, who was the son of Emperor Konin.
• Dedicated to the main deity Fudo Myoo and the bodhisattva Miroku Bosatsu.
• Home to five Buddhist statues carved by the priest Kukai in 807.

What to see

• A reinforced concrete main hall originally constructed in 1978.
• A temple bell donated by Hojo Shigetoki in the year 1246.
• Various temple buildings that underwent major renovations in 1985.
• The five historic Buddhist statues attributed to the monk Kukai.

Getting there

• The temple is an eighteen minute walk from Iwatsuki Station.

Official site

www.evam.ne.jp

Read more about Mirokumitsu-ji Temple

A historic Soto Zen temple in Chichibu featuring an original Hokusai painting and serving as a major pilgrimage stop.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple in Chichibu City founded in 990 by Hinuma Taroemon.
• The twenty-ninth site on the Chichibu Pilgrimage route.
• Designated as a historical landmark by Chichibu City in 1965.
• The current main hall dates back to the early nineteenth century.

What to see

• A painting by Katsushika Hokusai displayed inside the main hall.
• The main hall structure built between 1818 and 1830.
• The mountain setting known as Sasadosan.

Getting there

• A fifteen-minute walk from Urayamaguchi Station.
• Located 1.8 kilometers away from Hashidate-do Temple.
• Situated 7.1 kilometers from Houn-ji Temple.

Read more about Chosen-in Temple

A historic Soto Zen temple and the 28th site of the Chichibu pilgrimage, featuring a rare Batou Kannon deity.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple located in Chichibu City and designated as a historic site.
• The 28th site of the Chichibu Thirty-four Kannon pilgrimage route.
• An external hall of Obuchi-ji Temple that was recorded in pilgrimage lists in 1488.
• A former Shugendo temple during the Edo period dedicated to the deity Batou Kannon.

When to go

• The temple stamp office is closed from December until late February.

Getting there

• Urayamaguchi Station is a fourteen minute walk from the temple grounds.
• Obuchi-ji Temple is located twenty minutes away on foot.
• The site is 1.8 kilometers away from Chosen-in Temple.

Read more about Hashidate-dō Temple

A Soto Zen temple in Fukaya founded by a Heian-period warrior, featuring historic clan graves and a protected ancient tree.

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple located in Fukaya City, Saitama Prefecture.
• Founded during the late Heian period by Okabe Tadazumi.
• Dedicated to the head of the local Okabe clan who killed Taira no Tadanori.

What to see

• The Okabe family graves located two hundred meters north of the temple.
• A large Kaya tree designated as a city natural monument since 1979.
• The gravestone of Okabe Rokuyata Tadazumi, a Saitama Prefectural Historic Site.
• Marks on the warrior's gravestone where visitors historically scraped off powder.

Getting there

• The temple is a twenty-minute walk from Okabe Station.

Read more about Fusai-ji Temple

A 14th-century Rinzai school temple in Saitama featuring a massive, ancient zelkova tree designated as a natural monument.

What it is

• A Rinzai school temple founded by Ashikaga Motouji in 1360.
• Designated as a prayer hall by Ashikaga Mochiuji.
• Tokugawa Ieyasu granted land to the temple in 1591.
• The mountain name of this religious site is Dairyuzan.

What to see

• A large zelkova tree standing southeast of the temple grounds.
• The tree is a Saitama Prefecture natural monument measuring 13 meters high.
• A massive tree trunk with a circumference of 8.5 meters.
• The ancient tree originally served as a sacred site for Shinmei Shrine.

Getting there

• The temple is a 24-minute walk from Nishi-Omiya Station.

Read more about Seigan-ji

A historic Tendai temple in Saitama featuring significant medieval stone monuments and local legends dating back to the ninth century.

What it is

• A Tendai sect temple founded by the monk Ennin in 850.
• The site houses a cemetery containing ancient stone cultural properties.
• It serves as an annual pilgrimage site for followers of the Shinshu Takada school.

What to see

• The four-meter Torako-ishi stone monument built in 1311 by the monk Yuigan.
• A city-designated stone monument featuring a carved Jizo image.
• A historic stone monument dating back to 1547 located on the grounds.

Getting there

• The temple is a 22-minute walk from Hasuda Station.
• It is located a 4-minute drive from the Hasuda Smart Interchange.

Read more about Manzo-ji

A historic Shingon temple in Saitama founded by Emperor Shōmu, featuring a cultural property statue and former samurai residence grounds.

What it is

• A Shingon Chisan sect temple founded by Emperor Shōmu during the Tenpyō era
• The name translates to a place for stopping or preventing obstacles
• Built on the former residence site of the historical figure Minamoto no Noriyori
• Formerly served as a regional headquarters managing three hundred branch temples

What to see

• A wooden seated statue of Fudō Myōō designated as a prefectural cultural property
• Temple grounds that are officially recognized as a prefectural historic site

Getting there

• Located an eighteen minute drive from the Higashimatsuyama Interchange

Read more about Sokushō-in Temple

An Edo-period Shingon sect temple in Soka featuring an 18th-century Kannon statue and a dedicated Fudo Hall.

What it is

• A Shingon Buzan sect temple established during the early Edo period.
• The main deity is an Eleven-faced Kannon statue dating back to 1720.
• It serves as a branch temple of the famous Hase-dera since 1939.
• The site originally enshrined Fudo Myoo as its primary deity.

What to see

• The Eleven-faced Kannon statue which has been the main deity since 1720.
• The Fudo Hall which houses the temple's original primary deity.
• Architectural elements belonging to the Shingon Buzan Buddhist tradition.

Getting there

• The temple is a seven-minute walk from Yatsuka Station.

Official site

houjiin.com

Read more about Hōji-in Temple

Jōraku-in Temple, or Takayama Fudō, is a mountain temple with ancient statues and a giant ginkgo.

What it is

• Jōraku-in Temple is commonly known as Takayama Fudō.
• It is dedicated to Gundari Myōō, its principal image.
• Considered one of the Kanto Sandai Fudo temples.
• Located in a mountainous area, 600 meters above sea level.

What to see

• Wooden standing statue of Gundari Myōō, a National Important Cultural Property.
• The statue is estimated to be from the mid-Heian period.
• The Fudōdō is a Prefectural Designated Cultural Property.
• Large ginkgo tree, a Prefectural Designated Natural Monument.
• The ginkgo tree has an estimated age of 800 years.
• The Okunoin is called Kanhasshū Misuharidai.

Address

埼玉県飯能市高山346 Map

Read more about Jōraku-in Temple