📕 Goshuin from visitors
Kawagoehikawa Shrine
川越市宮下町２丁目１１−３
Located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, this shrine has long been deeply revered as the chief guardian deity of Kawagoehikawa. The enshrined deities (kami) are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushiinada-hime-no-Mikoto, Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, Ashinazuchi-no-Mikoto, and Tenazuchi-no-Mikoto. Because it enshrines two pairs of married deities and family deities, it is famous nationwide as a god of matchmaking and marriage. Tradition holds that it was founded in 541 CE (Kinmei 2) during the Kofun period, boasting a history of approximately 1,500 years. Since Ota Dōkan and his father Ota Dōsan built Kawagoe Castle in 1457 CE (Chōroku 1) during the Muromachi period, it has been revered by successive feudal lords as the guardian deity of the castle town and the head shrine of the domain. Every morning, miko (shrine maidens) wrap small stones from the precincts in hemp nets while praying to create 'matchmaking jewels' (Enmusubi-tama). Only 20 of these are distributed daily, attracting worshippers from all over Japan seeking good marriages.
Enshrined deities
Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinadahime
History
Known as a shrine for matchmaking and marital harmony due to its enshrinement of five deities including married couples, it is a popular shrine in Little Edo Kawagoe, especially during the summer 'Matchmaking Wind Chimes' event.
Blessings
It is worshipped for its blessings in love luck (matchmaking) and marital harmony (domestic safety).
What visitors say
The precincts are meticulously cleaned, exuding a calm and serene atmosphere. There are many sightseeing attractions, such as a tunnel of ema (wooden prayer plaques) and photo spots featuring the 'red thread of fate.' Goshuin (calligraphic seal stamps) are available, as well as tai (sea bream) omikuji (fortune slips) and omamori (amulets).
Opening hours
- Monday: 8:00 – 16:30
- Tuesday: 8:00 – 16:30
- Wednesday: 8:00 – 16:30
- Thursday: 8:00 – 16:30
- Friday: 8:00 – 16:30
- Saturday: 8:00 – 16:30
- Sunday: 8:00 – 16:30
Annual events & festivals
- 1月1日〜初詣
縁結びの神様として人気。良縁祈願の参拝者で賑わう。
縁結びの神様として知られ、初詣には良縁を願う参拝者が全国から訪れる。釣り上げる「鯛みくじ」も人気。
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・縁結びの祈願
- ・鯛みくじ
- ・良縁祈願
- July-September (Summer)Enmusubi Wind Chimes
In summer, colorful Edo-style wind chimes play a cool melody within the shrine grounds.
A popular summer-only event where approximately 2,000 Edo-style wind chimes are displayed in the shrine grounds, resonating with refreshing tones alongside tanzaku (paper strips) bearing wishes.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・Approximately 2,000 Edo-style wind chimes
- ・Light-up of the Milky Way
- ・Summer-only event
- October, 3rd Saturday and SundayKawagoe Matsuri (Kawagoe Hikawa Festival)
A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Luxurious floats are paraded through Little Edo.
Following the Hikawa Shrine's Shinko-sai (deity procession festival), the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage 'Kawagoe Hikawa Festival Float Events' are held. Lavishly decorated floats are paraded through the castle town of Little Edo, Kawagoe, and the night is enlivened by the 'Hikkawase' (face-off) where floats confront each other.
HighlightsSee details on the official site ›- ・UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage floats
- ・Shinko-sai (deity procession festival)
- ・Nighttime Hikkawase (float face-off)
Dates can shift from year to year. Please check the official information before you go.
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