Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine: The Ancient Shrine That Gave Omiya Its Name
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is located in Takahana-chō, Omiya Ward, Saitama City, and has long attracted worshippers as the ichinomiya, or highest-ranking shrine, of Musashi Province.
According to shrine tradition, it was founded during the reign of the fifth emperor, Emperor Kōshō. Its earliest written record dates to 766 (Tenpyō-jingo 2) in the Nara period, when the imperial court granted the shrine 3 households.
Understanding Its Status as an Ichinomiya
Ichinomiya was a shrine rank that gradually became established in each province from the Heian period through the medieval era. Hikawa Shrine was also a myojin taisha, receiving exceptional status within Musashi.
Records of patronage and shrine construction by Minamoto no Yoritomo, Ashikaga Takauji, the Tokugawa clan, and others reveal a history connected to both local faith and politics.
How Omiya Got Its Name
The place name "Omiya" derives from praise for Hikawa Shrine as an "oinaru miya," or great shrine.
Walking to the shrine from the station and modern downtown areas makes it easier to appreciate the relationship between present-day Omiya and the old shrine town.
Emperor Meiji's Imperial Ritual and Showa-Era Construction
In the first year of the Meiji era, Hikawa Shrine was designated an imperial ritual shrine protecting Musashi Province, and Emperor Meiji visited and personally conducted the ceremony.
This imperial visit took place on October 28 in the first year of the Meiji era.
The present main sanctuary, worship hall, sacred dance hall, Rōmon Gate, and other structures are based on major precinct improvements undertaken in the Showa era to commemorate the 2600th imperial year.
Understand the Three Enshrined Deities and Hikawa Worship
The 3 enshrined deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inadahime-no-Mikoto, and Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto, all deeply connected to Izumo mythology.
The shrine name is said either to derive from the Hii River in Izumo or from the old words "hi" and "kawa," referring to the spring water at the shrine's location.
Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inadahime-no-Mikoto
Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inadahime-no-Mikoto appear in the myth of the defeat of the eight-headed serpent Yamata-no-Orochi and are linked as a married pair of deities.
Beyond the myth itself, knowing that the shrine crest, "Yakumo," incorporates Susanoo-no-Mikoto's sacred poem and aquatic plants from Minuma makes the designs throughout the grounds easier to understand.
The Myths of Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto
Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto is also known by names such as Ōkuninushi-no-Kami. The myth in which he helps the White Hare of Inaba conveys his compassion and role in building the nation.
Rather than remembering the 3 deities as separate stories, viewing them as a faith that connects family, land, and daily life adds meaning to worship at the hall.
Hikawa Shrines Across the Region
About 280 shrines bearing the Hikawa name are said to exist mainly in the former Musashi Province, with this head shrine at the center of the tradition.
When looking for similarities with nearby Hikawa shrines, remember that their deities and histories vary, so check the origin of each shrine individually.
Walk the Approximately 2 km Hikawa Approach
The Hikawa approach extends about 2 km from the Nakasendō road to the shrine grounds. A tree-lined avenue dominated by zelkova trees runs north to south through downtown Omiya.
Walking the entire approach lets you experience how the atmosphere and scenery change as you move from city streets toward the sacred precincts.
Proceed from the First Torii to the Third Torii
The main approach has a first, second, and third torii gate, each serving as a milestone along the long straight route and helping worshippers prepare themselves.
At each torii, bow from a position that does not obstruct others and follow the basic etiquette of avoiding the center of the path.
Read the History Behind the Approach
The approach that exists today opened as a pilgrimage route connecting the Nakasendō with the shrine after the highway was moved to the western side of the plateau in Kan'ei 5.
It can be understood not merely as an old road, but as an axis of urban history shaped by the relocation of the post town and reorganization of the shrine town.
How to Walk Without Damaging the Trees
The avenue's trees have been affected by several factors, including exhaust fumes, vibration, changes in groundwater levels, and compacted soil around their roots.
Stay away from the roots, respect planted areas and designated traffic zones, and never step into the roadway for photographs. These actions help preserve the landscape.
Understanding the role of each section makes it easier to decide how much of the approach to walk.
| Section | What to Notice | How to Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Around the First Torii | Starting point of the approach | Observe the boundary with the city |
| Around the Second Torii | Large wooden torii | View the continuous avenue of trees |
| Around the Third Torii | Entrance to the sacred precincts | Prepare for worship |
| Entrance to the grounds | Sacred pond and bridge | Walk quietly around the water |
Explore the Sacred Pond, Rōmon Gate, and Worship Hall
Beyond the third torii, the sacred pond, bright vermilion bridge, Rōmon Gate, sacred dance hall, and worship hall extend inward in sequence, allowing you to follow the changing sightlines.
Rather than standing for a long time in front of a building, prioritize the flow of worship while observing the architectural details.
Discover the Memory of Water at the Sacred Pond and Bridge
The tranquil sacred pond and vivid bridge offer clues to the relationship between the shrine's name and its spring water.
Do not cross fences at the pond or bridge, do not feed the wildlife without permission, and quietly observe the reflections of the water and trees.
See the Rōmon Gate and Sacred Dance Hall
Passing through the Rōmon Gate reveals the sacred dance hall and worship hall in an orderly arrangement, showing the composition of the sacred precincts created by the major Showa-era construction.
Because the gate's opening hours change by season, check the seasonal schedule if visiting in the early morning or evening.
Prioritize Worship at the Hall
After purifying yourself at the temizu basin, place an offering at the worship hall and pray quietly, following the standard sequence of 2 bows, 2 claps, and 1 bow.
If ceremonies or prayers restrict some routes, do not insist on the usual path; follow the directions of shrine priests and security staff.
Visit the Auxiliary Shrines with the Information Boards
Because several subsidiary and subordinate shrines stand within the grounds, check each shrine's name and enshrined deity on the information boards before worshipping to avoid confusion.
Remember that the area in front of small shrine buildings is also a passageway. Groups should not block it, and visitors should pause only briefly to compose themselves at each shrine.
Check Reception Procedures for Goshuin and Prayers
Separate hours and procedures apply to receiving goshuin stamps, shrine talismans, and amulets, as well as to prayer reception.
If you want a particular item or prayer, check the special arrangements for busy festival days and the New Year period before visiting.
Receive a Goshuin After Worshipping
A goshuin is received as proof of worship, and whether it is written directly or provided on paper may change depending on events.
Confirm the reception hours, offering fee, and whether your goshuin book can be inscribed at the shrine amulet office, then wait according to the queue instructions.
Same-Day Reception Is Standard for Prayers
Regular prayers are held every 30 minutes from 9:00 to 16:00. Complete reception at the shrine amulet office on the right inside the Rōmon Gate at least 15 minutes before the start.
Advance reservations and designated times are not accepted. During busy periods, prayers may be conducted as needed or participant numbers may be limited, so allow plenty of time.
Respect Rituals and Other Worshippers When Taking Photos
Photography may be restricted during prayers and festivals, and even at ordinary times you should avoid photographing people from the front while they worship.
Follow local signs and shrine priests' instructions regarding photography inside shrine buildings, at the amulet office, and during rituals. Commercial photography requires formal confirmation in advance.
Access from Omiya Station and Visit Planning
The shrine is about a 15-minute walk from the east exit of JR Omiya Station. The time required and scenery differ depending on whether you walk the long approach or head directly to the shrine.
The west parking lot is about a 10-minute walk from Kita-omiya Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line.
Choose Your Starting Point When Walking
If you plan to walk the approximately 2 km approach from the first torii, allow more time and wear comfortable shoes than you would for a visit limited to the grounds.
On days of intense heat or rain, do not insist on covering the entire route. Adjust to your condition by starting at the second or third torii.
Drivers Should Watch for Full Lots and Closure Dates
The first, second, and west parking lots are located around the shrine grounds, but their capacity and operating hours differ, and waiting on the roadway when they are full is prohibited.
All parking lots are closed for the Daitō-sai Festival on December 10 and from January 1 through 3, so use public transportation.
Check Worship Restrictions Around Annual Festivals
The annual festival takes place on August 1, and the Shinkō-sai Festival on August 2. During the festivals, entry inside the Rōmon Gate, worship in front of the hall, prayers, and parking lot use may be restricted.
Because festivals, special events, and seasonal gate hours can change, check the latest guidance for worship, prayers, and parking before visiting.
Dividing advance checks by purpose helps you combine the long approach and shrine grounds without overexertion.
| Purpose | Check in Advance | Time Allocation |
|---|---|---|
| Walk the full approach | Weather and starting point | Allow extra walking time |
| Learn the history | Shrine origins and information boards | Pause at each shrine building |
| Receive a goshuin | Reception hours | Visit reception after worshipping |
| Visit on a festival day | Restrictions and transportation | Allow for crowds |
Summary: Visiting Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine brings together its 3 enshrined deities, its history as the ichinomiya of Musashi Province, its approximately 2 km approach, the origin of the Omiya name, the sacred pond, and Showa-era shrine construction.
Trace the history of the torii gates and approach before proceeding to the sacred pond, Rōmon Gate, and worship hall. At the auxiliary shrines, check the information boards and worship quietly.
Checking the gate, amulet reception, prayer, parking, and festival restriction information in advance lets you respect the rituals while calmly experiencing Omiya's history and the scenery of the sacred grove.
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