Saishoin Temple 最勝院

Winning cherry blossoms

Saishoin just west of Kasukabe Station is an enchanting cherry blossom spot. You can recognize the temple by the cherry motif on the gate. This Shingon Buddhist temple is signficant for Kasukabe City's history. It was at times the site of the tax office, an elementary school, and the terminus for the original railroad that ran from Senju in Tokyo to Kasukabe Shuku, the post town that later became Kasukabe City. The temple grounds contain the grave of a local lord, named Kasukabe, who served Emperor Godaigo. In hanami season this is a great spot to stroll under branches laden with blooms.