Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Photo: Sophia Warren / JT

Overview

Address

2-11 Miyashitamachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama

( Map ) ( Directions )

Hours

6:00 - 17:00 Open now

Opening Hours

Monday
6:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
6:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
6:00 - 17:00
Thursday
6:00 - 17:00
Friday
6:00 - 17:00
Saturday
6:00 - 17:00
Sunday
6:00 - 17:00
Holidays
6:00 - 17:00

Price

Free

Phone

049-222-5399

Website

kawagoehikawa.jp

Highlights

Ema Tunnel

One of the shrine’s most popular features is the Ema Tunnel, which is a wooden, open-air tunnel decorated with approximately 30,000 wooden prayer plates called ema. The collection of words and the gentle melody of the ema in the breeze make for a truly unique stroll. Write your own ema and add it to the thousands of wishes and words of gratitude.

Summer Wind Chimes

From July to September, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine decorates its grounds with thousands of multicolored wind chimes. Enjoy the relaxing symphony of the chimes and visit the grounds at night to see the spectacle illuminated.

Zelkova Trees

Located behind the main shrine are two massive 600-year-old zelkova trees. Walk around the holy trees in a figure eight to pray and gain spiritual insight.

Purchase a Red Pencil

The red pencil is a matchmaking charm that is symbolic of the red string of fate. As the pencil gets shorter, it is said that the distance between you and your destined partner shrinks. Purchase this popular charm and watch your fate reveal itself each day.

Fish for a Red Snapper Omikuji

Another popular charm is the red snapper omikuji, or fortune slips. Let destiny guide your hand as you use a small fishing rod to catch your fish-shaped fortune.