What is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Saitama Prefecture?
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a shrine with a history of approximately 1,500 years, located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture.
It has long been cherished by the local people and is now visited by many worshippers from both Japan and abroad as a power spot for matchmaking.
The main deities worshipped here govern marriage and family harmony, making it particularly popular among those wishing for matchmaking, love fulfillment, and marital bliss.
The shrine's charming precincts and seasonal events are also appealing features.
This article will introduce highlights, ways to enjoy, and useful information for visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in detail.
Highlights of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Enmusubi Dama
The symbolic item of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the Enmusubi Dama.
These are small stones purified from the shrine's precincts, popular as charms for matchmaking and love fulfillment.
The Enmusubi Dama are distributed for free, but in limited quantities each morning, so it is necessary to line up early.
It is said that carrying the Enmusubi Dama close to you as a charm will grant your wishes.
Wind Chime Corridor (Summer Only)
Every summer, a beautiful Wind Chime Corridor appears in the precincts.
The sight of colorful wind chimes is magical, and the tanzaku (strips of paper) attached to them contain the wishes of the worshippers.
Walking while listening to the sound of the wind chimes brings tranquility to the heart, and it is beloved as a summer tradition by many people.
Fortune Fishing
The fortune slips of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine are popular as cute "Fortune Fishing."
You catch a fish-shaped fortune slip, receiving messages about matchmaking and fortunes.
It's a fun experience to try with friends or couples.
Torii and Stone-Paved Approach
The approach to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is lined with lush trees and a stone pavement, enveloped in a sacred atmosphere.
Just walking the path from the first torii to the main shrine feels like a purification of the heart.
This approach is also famous as a photo spot, where you can enjoy the nature of each season.
Seasonal Events
Enmusubi Wind Chimes (Summer)
The Enmusubi Wind Chimes, held from July to September, is the largest event at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
Thousands of wind chimes are displayed in the precincts, and their cool sound enchants visitors.
At night, they are illuminated, creating a fantastic atmosphere.
Shichi-Go-San Festival (Autumn)
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is also known as a famous spot for the Shichi-Go-San festival.
Celebrating family growth at this historical shrine will become a special memory.
New Year's Visit
Many people visit Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine for their first shrine visit of the New Year.
The shrine is bustling with worshippers praying for matchmaking and family harmony, and amulets and fortune slips are also available for purchase in the precincts.
Access to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Access by Train
- Get off at Kawagoe Station on the JR Kawagoe Line or Tobu Tojo Line.
- Take a bus bound for "Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine" from Kawagoe Station East Exit for about 10 minutes.
Access by Car
- About 15 minutes from the Kan-Etsu Expressway "Kawagoe IC."
- There are parking lots around the precincts, but it can be crowded, so public transportation is recommended.
Useful Information for Travelers
Opening Hours and Fees
- Visiting Hours: 6:00 to 18:00 (varies by season)
- Fees: Visiting is free. There are separate charges for Enmusubi Dama, amulets, and special prayers.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
- Kawagoe Warehouse District: Enjoy strolling and shopping in a townscape that retains the atmosphere of Edo.
- Candy Alley: An area lined with nostalgic candy stores and traditional Japanese sweets shops.
Recommended Local Cuisine
- Kawagoe Sweet Potato Sweets: Soft serve ice cream and pies made with sweet potatoes are specialties.
- Unagi Cuisine: Traditional eel dishes are a popular delicacy in Kawagoe.
Frequently Asked Questions When Visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Q. Can I definitely get an Enmusubi Dama?
A. Enmusubi Dama are distributed in limited quantities each morning, so you need to line up early. If you want to be sure to get one, it is recommended to arrive before the gates open.
Q. Is there support in English?
A. There are English signboards in the precincts, and English pamphlets are available at the tourist information center.
Q. Can children enjoy the visit?
A. Yes. Many families visit, and especially during the Shichi-Go-San festival or festival periods, there are events that can be enjoyed with children.
Conclusion
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a special place for those wishing for matchmaking and love fulfillment, with seasonal events and beautiful precincts as attractions.
This shrine, where historical atmosphere and modern enjoyment merge, is an ideal spot to visit with couples, families, or friends.
When visiting Kawagoe, be sure to stop by Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and let the sacred space soothe your soul.
