Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on August 6, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
How do I get there by train?
About 10 minutes' walk from Morinjimae Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line. You can also take a local bus from Tatebayashi Station.
休日 (1)
When is it closed?
Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays (Thursday closures may be irregular). Please check the official website or call 0276-72-1514 before visiting.
Prices / Hours (1)
What are the visiting hours and charges?
Visiting hours are 9:00-16:00. Entry to the grounds is free. To see the legendary Bunbuku tea kettle kept in the main hall, treasure viewing costs 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. Groups of 20 or more receive a 10 per cent discount.
Overview (1)
What sort of temple is Morinji?
It is a Soto Zen temple founded in 1426 by the priest Dairin Shotsu. It is known as the setting of the folk tale Bunbuku Chagama, and 24 tanuki statues, each with a different face and posture, line the approach. Their costumes change with the season, so it is a place worth visiting again and again.
Highlights (3)
Where are the 24 tanuki statues?
They line both sides of the approach from the outer gate to the thatched main gate. Each has a different face and posture, and they change costume with the season, into hina doll, seasonal festival or yukata dress. Many more tanuki statues are dotted around the grounds.
Are there natural monuments in the grounds?
In front of the main hall stands a huge Buddhist pine said to be about 600 years old, designated a Natural Monument of Gunma Prefecture. The thatched main gate (built 1694) and the main hall (built 1468) are also historic buildings well worth seeing.
What is the Bunbuku tea kettle?
The Bunbuku tea kettle handed down at Morinji is made of purple-gold bronze, holding about 21 litres and weighing about 11 kg. Legend says a tanuki turned itself into the kettle and brought good fortune, and it is the cultural property behind the folk tale. It is kept in a room on the north side of the main hall and can be seen on the treasure viewing.
Tours (2)
How long does a visit take?
Going round the grounds including the treasure viewing takes about 30 to 60 minutes. Adding the souvenir shops nearby brings it to about an hour.
Is there a free guide service?
Free guided tours are given by the Bunbuku guides. Advance booking is required; please contact the Tatebayashi City tourism section on 0276-74-5233.
Parking (1)
Is there parking if I come by car?
There is free parking for about 80 cars. It is about 15 minutes by car from Tatebayashi IC on the Tohoku Expressway.
Other (6)
When is it closed?
Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and Thursdays (Thursday closures are irregular).
What are the opening hours?
9:00-16:00.
How much is admission?
Visiting the grounds is free. Treasure viewing: adults 300 yen, children 150 yen (10 per cent discount for groups of 20 or more).
What is the address?
1570 Horikumicho, Tatebayashi City, Gunma Prefecture
How do I get there?
About 10 minutes' walk from Morinjimae Station on the Tobu Isesaki Line. About 15 minutes by car from Tatebayashi IC on the Tohoku Expressway. Free parking for 80 cars.
Is there parking?
Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.