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January 3, 2026 at 9:00 am
Event date:
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January 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm
Event end:
History
The Daruma doll has been an important cultural symbol in Japan for centuries. Traditionally modeled after Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, the doll is round, hollow, and most often painted red with a distinctive beard and face. Daruma dolls are closely associated with perseverance, determination, and goal-setting, making them a popular item for New Year celebrations.
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Kitain Temple in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, is one of the most famous locations for this New Year tradition. Over the years, the Kitain Daruma Market has become not only a religious and cultural event but also a festive gathering for the local community, drawing crowds eager to purchase Daruma dolls and experience the New Year atmosphere.
Overview
The Kitain Temple Daruma Market 2026 will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Visitors can explore dozens of Daruma doll vendors along the temple grounds, particularly on the path leading to Naritasan Temple. Large Daruma dolls are often accompanied by the ringing of bells and cheers from the crowd, adding excitement to the experience.
The market is a lively event where visitors can purchase Daruma dolls of various sizes, enjoy traditional food stalls, and immerse themselves in local New Year festivities. Families, tourists, and culture enthusiasts come together to celebrate perseverance and personal goals, making it a unique cultural experience in Saitama Prefecture.
Highlights
- Purchase Daruma dolls to set New Year resolutions
- Experience traditional Japanese New Year festivities at a historic temple
- Dozens of vendors offering Daruma dolls in various sizes and styles
- Exciting large Daruma doll displays with cheering and bell-ringing
- Food stalls and local snacks available along the temple grounds
Why Jasumo Recommends?
- Experience a traditional Japanese New Year custom that symbolizes perseverance and goal-setting
- Perfect for families, tourists, and culture enthusiasts to immerse in local traditions
- Participate in a lively and colorful festival with Daruma doll vendors and food stalls
- Free entry makes it an accessible cultural experience while exploring Kawagoe
- Beautiful temple grounds and festive atmosphere ideal for photography and New Year celebrations
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Schedule
- Date: Saturday, January 3rd, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Pricing
- Free Entry: Visiting the Kitain Temple Daruma Market is free. Costs apply only if purchasing Daruma dolls, food, or souvenirs.
Location
Venue: Kitain Temple, 1-20-1 Kosenbamachi, Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
How to Get There:
- By Train: About 25 minutes on foot from Kawagoe Station, Kawagoeshi Station, or Hon-Kawagoe Station.
- By Bus: Most tourist buses stop near Kitain Temple.
- By Car: On-site parking is available for ¥500, though limited during New Year; walking or using public transport is recommended.
Accommodation Options
Kawagoe offers a variety of accommodation options for festival visitors. Budget travelers can stay in guesthouses or hostels ranging from ¥3,000–¥6,000 per night.
Mid-range hotels near the city center cost around ¥8,000–¥15,000 per night, providing comfortable amenities and easy access to Kitain Temple. Visitors seeking a more traditional experience can stay at Japanese-style inns or ryokans, which offer tatami rooms, meals, and cultural experiences. Early booking is recommended due to high demand during the New Year period.
FAQs
What is the Kitain Temple Daruma Market?
The market is a New Year festival held at Kitain Temple where visitors buy Daruma dolls to set personal resolutions for the year.
When is the Kitain Temple Daruma Market 2026?
It will be held on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Is there an entry fee for the market?
No, entry is free. Costs apply only if you purchase Daruma dolls, food, or souvenirs.
How do I get to Kitain Temple?
Visitors can walk approximately 25 minutes from Kawagoe Station, Kawagoeshi Station, or Hon-Kawagoe Station, or take a tourist bus.
Are there accommodations near Kitain Temple?
Yes, Kawagoe has budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and traditional ryokans near the temple, with prices ranging from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 per night.
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