Introduction
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a captivating destination for its serene atmosphere. Kawagoe often referred to as “Little Edo” due to its well-preserved Edo-period architectures. The shrine stands out as a place of spiritual significance and cultural celebration. You will know how this shrine attracts visitors from all over Japan and beyond.
1. About Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Brief about Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (川越氷川神社) honors the Shinto deities associated with marriage and family harmony. Many visitors come here to pray for blessings in their relationships. The shrine is famous for fostering good relationships and bringing happiness to couples. Furthermore, its reputation as a “Love Shrine” is enhanced by various charms and rituals designed to promote romantic fortune. For example, the shrine offers “Enmusubi” (matchmaking) stones and ema (wooden plaques) for visitors to write their wishes for love and happiness.
2. Feeling beauty, Healing gently
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is also popular for its seasonal events. The shrine holds various religious ceremonies throughout the year. From the beginning of July to the end of August, it holds a Furin Festival (A festival of wind bells). This festival celebrates the beauty and soothing sounds of wind bells. At this period, thousands of colourful wind bells are hung throughout the shrine. Once the wind passes through the bells, their gentle chimes fill the air. That makes a sense of coolness and tranquility.
Not only seeing the landscapes of wind bells, but also visitors can buy wind bell and hung on the wooden frames everywhere in the shrine. People write down their wishes on wooden Tanzaku paper given by the officials. The festival is a feast for the senses and a visual beauty of the wind bells. The feeling complements by sharing each other’s hopes and wishes. Also, visitors can also enjoy evening illuminations that transform the shrine into a magical wonderland.
The lush of green grounds entertains worshippers and locals as well. Here is a peaceful spot where both tourists and locals can enjoy the colours of the changing seasons.
3. Ties between you and us
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine has not only its seasonal festivals, but also has some spots for religious activities. We give you major examples of them.
1. Fortune Fishing
Amongst visitors seeking love or good fortune in relationships, Fortune Fishing is a popular ritual event. Visitors use a fishing rod to try and catch one of these fish shaped stones from the spot. When you successfully caught the one, it would be a sign that good fortune in relationships will soon follow. The fish, sea bream called “Tai” in Japanese. It is a symbol of calling good fortune and making better relationships with others. Also, the white, sky blue, and red sea bream stones are popular elements for sharing photos on social medias.
2. Tunnel of Ema
The Tunnel of Ema is a visually striking feature of the shrine. You can see thousands of wooden plaques (ema) that are hung by visitors. From ancient times, Shinto shrines use Ema, for people to write their prayers and wishes. At the shrine, people often write their hopes for love, marriage, or strong family bonds. The ema are hung along a tunnel-like walkway. That creates a beautiful path filled with personal messages. The tunnel is especially impressive during festivals or at night, when it is softly illuminated, creating a serene atmosphere.
3. Doll Floating
Doll Floating, or “Hitogata nagashi,” is an ancient ritual that takes place at the shrine. The practice involves setting paper dolls afloat on the shrine’s pond. These dolls enable to relief from people’s misfortunes, negative energies, and sins are carried away by flowing water. This ritual is especially popular during the shrine’s seasonal festivals, and many people participate in hopes of spiritual cleansing. With blowing your breath three times and making a wish upon, you will know how this gentle ceremony highlights the importance of Shinto traditions.
4. A Place Full of Pleasures
At Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, every experience feels rich with meaning and pleasure. Those experiences guide you a deep connection to Japanese tradition and spirituality. Praying your own hope will release distractions and wishing for someone’s luck will fulfil joys of your life. For those seeking both tranquility and delight, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a place where the pleasures of the past and present come alive. It creates lasting memories for all who visit.
| INFOMATION | |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-11-3 Miyashitacho, Kawagoe, Saitama How to get there? |
| Opening Hours | 9:00-17:00 |
| Closed | Always Open |
| Admission | Free |
| Parking | Not Available |
| Transportations | Right from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Bus stop Timetable from Kawagoe Station Track 7（Route 川越06）Duraion: 15 minutes |
| Useful References | Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine – TripAdvisor Ticket guide from Tobu Buses |
