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Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine: A Sanctuary of Love and History

Discover a sanctuary of love and history at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, a vibrant spiritual destination with ancient traditions and enchanting festivals.

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Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, with a history spanning 1500 years, is a Shinto shrine known for its blessings in love, marriage, and family harmony. The shrine attracts visitors with its towering torii gate, serene atmosphere, and unique traditions such as the Ema Tunnel and Enmusubi Wind Chime festival.

A brief summary to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

  • Monday 9 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival in summer for a magical experience with thousands of colorful wind chimes.
  • Write your wishes on an ema and add it to the Ema Tunnel, joining thousands of others in seeking blessings.
  • Explore the shrine grounds to find the sacred trees and natural spring, each offering a moment of tranquility.
  • If visiting in October, experience the vibrant Kawagoe Festival, a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage event.
  • Take a stroll along the Shingashi River behind the shrine, especially beautiful during the spring cherry blossom season.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Kawagoe Station (JR Saikyo Line or Tobu Tojo Line), take the Tobu Bus bound for Shinmeicho Shako. Get off at the Kitamachi bus stop, which is about a 5-minute walk to the shrine. The bus ride is approximately 15 minutes and costs ¥400.

  • Walking

    From the Kurazukuri district, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is less than 1 kilometer away. You can easily walk to the shrine in about 10-15 minutes. Head north, following signs for the shrine. The main entrance is marked by a large vermilion torii gate.

  • Taxi

    A taxi from Kawagoe Station to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine takes about 3 minutes and costs approximately ¥1700 - ¥2100.

  • Driving

    From the Kan-Etsu Expressway, it's about 15 minutes from the Kawagoe Interchange to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. There are parking lots around Kawagoe, including some near Kawagoe Station. Parking fees vary, with some lots charging ¥200 per 30 minutes and daily maximums around ¥1400. Some hotels, like Kawagoe Daiichi Hotel, offer parking for around ¥500 per night.

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Discover more about Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is a historical sanctuary with origins dating back to the 6th century. Founded in 541 during the reign of Emperor Kinmei, the shrine is affiliated with the Hikawa Shrine in Omiya. For centuries, it has been revered as a guardian deity, especially after Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457. The shrine is dedicated to five deities, including Susanoo-no-Mikoto, his wife Kushinadahime, and their son Onamuchino-mikoto, along with Kushinadahime's parents. As the enshrined deities represent a family, including two married couples, the shrine is known as a place to pray for marital happiness, family harmony, and finding a good match. Visitors are greeted by a large, vibrant orange torii gate, standing 15 meters tall, one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan. The shrine's main hall, constructed in 1849, features intricate Edo-period carvings. The grounds also contain sacred trees, including a 600-year-old zelkova tree, and a natural spring used for purification. Throughout the year, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine hosts various festivals and events. The Kawagoe Festival, with its elaborate floats, is a highlight. In the summer, the Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival features thousands of wind chimes, creating a magical soundscape. The shrine is also known for its Ema Tunnel, a wooden structure adorned with thousands of ema (votive tablets) on which visitors write their prayers and wishes.

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