Complete Guide to Hikawa Shrine|From Musashi Ichinomiya to Hikawa Shrines Nationwide: Comprehensive Explanation of History, Faith, and Visiting Information
Hikawa Shrine holds a particularly important position within Japanese shrine worship as an ancient shrine. With Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, located in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, serving as the head shrine, over 280 Hikawa Shrines are distributed nationwide, concentrated primarily in the Kanto region. This article comprehensively covers information that visitors should know, including the history of Hikawa Shrine, its enshrined deities, highlights within the shrine grounds, access information, and major festivals.
What is Hikawa Shrine|Overview of One of Japan’s Foremost Ancient Shrines
Hikawa Shrine is said to have been founded in the third year of the reign of Emperor Koushou (the fifth emperor, approximately 473 BCE) and boasts over 2,400 years of history, making it one of Japan’s most ancient shrines. Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, located at 1-chome Takanashincho, Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, serves as the head shrine.
Known as a “great sacred residence,” this shrine became the namesake of the place name “Omiya.” As a Shikinaisha (shrine listed in the Engishiki) and Meishin Taisha (major shrine), and as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Musashi Province, it has gathered the devoted faith of the entire Kanto region. Its former shrine rank was Kanpeitaisha (official great shrine), and it is currently designated as a Betsuhyakusha (separate shrine) by the Association of Shinto Shrines. Additionally, as one of the shrines venerated during the imperial court’s four-directional worship, it continues to maintain deep connections with the imperial household.
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine also holds the rank of Chokusaisha (shrine receiving imperial patronage), with special imperial envoys attending its annual festival—making it one of only 16 such exceptional shrines in all of Japan. During New Year’s visits, it welcomes over 2 million worshippers annually and is known as one of the Kanto region’s premier New Year’s pilgrimage destinations.
Enshrined Deities of Hikawa Shrine|Gods Centered on Susanoo
Hikawa Shrine enshrines important deities from Japanese mythology. The following three principal deities are honored as the main enshrined gods:
Principal Enshrined Deities:
- Susanoo no Mikoto (須佐之男命): Known as a valiant deity who defeated the eight-headed serpent, possessing divine virtues of warding off evil and calamities
- Inada Hime no Mikoto (稲田姫命): The consort of Susanoo no Mikoto, with divine virtues of matchmaking and marital harmony
- Oonamuchi no Mikoto (大己貴命): An alternate name for Okuninushi no Mikoto, known as the deity of nation-building, with divine virtues of matchmaking and business prosperity
This combination of three deities represents a faith form centered on Izumo deities, deeply connected to the eastward expansion of the Izumo people in ancient times. Centered on the husband-and-wife deities Susanoo no Mikoto and Inada Hime no Mikoto, with the addition of their descendant Oonamuchi no Mikoto, this has a strong character as a family deity, with particular emphasis on divine virtues of family safety, marital harmony, and continuation of descendants.
Many Hikawa Shrines have a history of enshrining the male shrine (Susanoo no Mikoto) and female shrine (Inada Hime no Mikoto) separately, and some areas within Saitama Prefecture still maintain the “Three Hikawa Shrines” configuration with the male, female, and simple (Hikawa) shrines arranged in a triangle.
History of Hikawa Shrine|Over 2,400 Years of Religious Lineage
Founding and Development in Ancient Times
Hikawa Shrine is said to have been founded on the day of the fourth lunar month in the third year of Emperor Koushou’s reign, corresponding to around 473 BCE, making it among Japan’s most ancient shrines.
During the reign of Emperor成務天皇 (131-190 CE), Eta Mohime no Mikoto, of the Izumo clan, was appointed by the imperial court as Musashi Province’s governor (Kunitsukami) and devoted himself to enshrining this shrine. Eta Mohime no Mikoto established virtuous governance, and from this period onward, Hikawa Shrine’s divine presence shone ever more brightly, and its status was elevated.
Development from Medieval to Early Modern Times
By the Heian period, the shrine was listed in the Engishiki under major shrines of Adachi District in Musashi Province, becoming recognized by the imperial court. It established itself as Ichinomiya of Musashi Province and gathered the faith of warriors and common people throughout the Kanto region.
In the medieval period, it received the reverence of warrior groups including the Musashi Nanato and military leaders of the Kamakura and Muromachi shogunates visited to worship. After the start of the Edo period, the Tokugawa shogunate’s reverence became deep, with construction projects on shrine buildings and donations of lands conducted.
Development Since the Modern Era
During the Meiji-era shrine ranking system, it was elevated to the rank of Kanpeitaisha, receiving national protection as a representative shrine of Musashi Province. In 1940 (Showa 15), it was designated as Chokusaisha, becoming a high-ranking shrine with imperial envoys attending its annual festival.
After World War II, as a Betsuhyakusha of the Association of Shinto Shrines, it continues to welcome countless visitors as one of the Kanto’s foremost major shrines. In 2023 (Reiwa 5), preparations are underway for the 2,500-year enshrinement anniversary festival, with further development anticipated.
Shrine Grounds Guide of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
The shrine grounds of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine span approximately 30,000 tsubo (approximately 100,000 square meters) and form a solemn space surrounded by abundant nature.
Main Hall and Worship Hall
The current shrine building was constructed during the Meiji period and features a gongen-zukuri style, combining a nagarezukuri main hall with an irimoya-zukuri worship hall. The beautifully lacquered red shrine building is befitting of the dignity and rank of Musashi’s Ichinomiya.
Tower Gate
The red lacquered tower gate standing at the shrine’s entrance is a symbolic landmark of Hikawa Shrine. With a height of approximately 13 meters, its majestic form guides visitors into the sacred realm.
Sacred Pond and Snake Pond
Within the shrine grounds are two ponds. The sacred pond displays beautiful scenery with irises and lotuses, allowing visitors to enjoy nature’s seasonal changes. The Snake Pond preserves legends of white snakes, the shrine’s divine messengers, that once inhabited it.
Zelkova Sacred Trees
The shrine grounds are lined with towering zelkova trees with ages exceeding several centuries, creating an atmosphere of sanctity. These zelkovas are designated as natural monuments of Saitama Prefecture and serve as objects of nature worship.
Dance Hall and Sacred Music Hall
A dance hall and sacred music hall, where sacred dances and music are performed during festivals, are arranged within the shrine grounds. Particularly during the annual festival, traditional sacred music is performed, with many worshippers attending.
Subsidiary and Branch Shrines of Hikawa Shrine|Deities Enshrined Within the Grounds
Multiple subsidiary and branch shrines are enshrined within the grounds of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, each housing deities with special divine virtues.
Monkyakujin Shrine
Positioned on both sides of the tower gate, this subsidiary shrine enshrines Ashinazuchi no Mikoto and Tenazuchi no Mikoto, the parents of Inada Hime no Mikoto, with divine virtues of family safety and traffic safety.
Amatsudai Shrine
A subsidiary shrine enshrining Amaterasu Ōmikami and other celestial deities, with divine virtues of national peace and bountiful harvests.
Munakata Shrine
Enshrining Ichikishima Hime no Mikoto, revered as a deity of traffic safety and maritime safety.
Inari Shrine
Enshrining Ukainomitama no Kami, known for divine virtues of business prosperity and bountiful harvests.
Worshipping at these subsidiary and branch shrines allows visitors to receive even more divine blessings.
Hikawa Approach|Charm of Japan’s Longest Sacred Approach
One characteristic feature of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is the “Hikawa Approach,” a sacred path extending approximately 2 kilometers—Japan’s longest—from JR Omiya Station to the shrine. This approach was developed during the Meiji period.
On both sides of the approach stand approximately 650 towering zelkova and camphor trees, forming a green tunnel. This tree-lined path, also called “Hikawa no Mori” (Hikawa Grove), provides a precious space where one can feel abundant nature despite being in an urban area.
Walking along the approach itself is considered a purification ritual, and as one slowly walks toward the sacred realm, feelings of reverence naturally arise. One can enjoy varied seasonal scenery: fresh green in spring, deep green in summer, autumn colors, and fallen leaves in winter.
At the midpoint of the approach stands the “second torii gate,” beyond which the sacred realm truly begins. Resting areas and benches are arranged along the approach, making it a beloved gathering place for citizens enjoying leisurely strolls.
List of Hikawa Shrines Nationwide|Religious Networks Centered on the Kanto
With Musashi Ichinomiya as its head shrine, Hikawa Shrine has over 280 branches distributed nationwide, primarily concentrated in the Kanto region, though many also exist in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures.
Major Hikawa Shrines
Saitama Prefecture:
- Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (Omiya Ward, Saitama City) – Head Shrine
- Nakayama Shrine (Minuma Ward, Saitama City) – Also called Hikawa Female Deity Shrine
- Hikawa Shrine (Midori Ward, Saitama City) – Hikawa Hihoji Shrine
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe City) – Famous for matchmaking
- Komuro Hikawa Shrine (Ina Town)
Tokyo:
- Akasaka Hikawa Shrine (Akasaka, Minato Ward)
- Hakusan Hikawa Shrine (Hakusan, Bunkyo Ward)
- Koenji Hikawa Shrine (Koenji-Minami, Suginami Ward)
- Shinjuku Shimoochiai Hikawa Shrine (Shimoochiai, Shinjuku Ward)
- Shinmeihikawa Shrine (Yayoi, Nakano Ward)
Kanagawa Prefecture:
- Hikawa Shrine (Kohoku Ward, Yokohama City)
These Hikawa Shrines serve as the local tutelary deities in their respective communities, gathering local residents’ faith. While the enshrined deities and histories vary somewhat among the shrines, they share in common the veneration of deities of the Izumo system centered on Susanoo no Mikoto.
Distribution and Characteristics of Hikawa Shrines
The distribution of Hikawa Shrines roughly corresponds to the area of ancient Musashi Province, deeply connected to the eastward expansion of the Izumo people. Concentrated mainly in the Arakawa River basin, connections to water deity worship have been pointed out.
Various theories exist regarding the origin of the name “Hikawa,” but the most prominent holds that it derives from the “Hii River” in Izumo Province. This connects to the mythology where Susanoo no Mikoto defeated the eight-headed serpent in Izumo’s Hii River, with the theory that Izumo people who migrated here named it in remembrance of their homeland.
Major Festivals of Hikawa Shrine|Traditional Events Throughout the Year
Hikawa Shrine conducts numerous festivals throughout the year. Presented here are the major festivals of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine.
Annual Grand Festival (August 1)
The most important festival at Hikawa Shrine is the annual grand festival held every August 1. As a Chokusaisha, Hikawa Shrine receives an imperial envoy from the emperor, who offers imperial gifts. This day welcomes many worshippers, with the shrine grounds enveloped in a solemn atmosphere.
New Year’s Pilgrimage (January 1-3)
As one of the Kanto region’s premier New Year’s pilgrimage destinations, it welcomes over 2 million visitors during the three-day period. The shrine grounds become bustling with crowds praying for good health throughout the year, family safety, business prosperity, and more.
Great Hot Water Festival (December 10)
The great hot water festival, held every December 10, is one of Hikawa Shrine’s representative sacred rituals. Water is boiled in a giant kettle, offered before the deity, and worshippers pray for good health throughout the year.
Setsubun Festival (February 3)
Held on the day before the start of spring, the Setsubun festival features bean-scattering events, with worshippers praying for ward-off of calamities and invocation of good fortune. Many visitors come seeking auspicious beans.
Tenth-Day Market (December 10)
Held on the same day as the Great Hot Water Festival, the tenth-day market is a traditional event continuing from the Edo period, with vendor stalls selling lucky rakes and auspicious items lining the approach.
Other Major Festivals
- New Year’s Celebration Festival (January 1)
- Foundation Day Festival (February 11)
- Ritual for Good Harvests (February 17)
- Emperor’s Birthday Festival (February 23)
- Showa Festival (April 29)
- New Harvest Festival (November 23)
- Emperor’s Birthday Festival (December 23)
- Great Purification Ritual (June 30, December 31)
These festivals serve as precious opportunities for conveying Japan’s traditional annual observances to the modern era.
Access to Hikawa Shrine|Transportation Guide
Access to Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is convenient via public transportation.
Access by Train
From JR Omiya Station:
- Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the east exit (via the Hikawa Approach)
- Approximately 10 minutes via Kokusai Kogyo bus from platform 2 of the east exit bus terminal, bound for “Hikawa Shrine,” disembarking at the final stop
From Tobu Urban Park Line (Tobu Noda Line) Kita-Omiya Station:
- Approximately 10 minutes on foot
Access by Car
Via Metropolitan Expressway:
- Approximately 15 minutes from Shin-Toshin West Exit
Via Tohoku Expressway:
- Approximately 20 minutes from Iwatsuki Interchange
Parking:
Free parking is available on the shrine grounds, though during New Year’s pilgrimage season and the annual festival, parking often reaches capacity; public transportation is recommended. Paid parking areas are available nearby.
Address
〒330-0803 1-chome Takanashincho, Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture 407
Phone: 048-641-0137
Seals and Amulets of Hikawa Shrine
Visitors can receive a commemorative seal (goshuin) at Hikawa Shrine. Seals are available at the shrine office, typically costing 300 yen as an offering.
Popular Amulets
Hikawa Shrine distributes various amulets:
- Calamity Ward Amulet: Amulet to receive the divine virtue of calamity ward-off from Susanoo no Mikoto
- Matchmaking Amulet: Amulet to receive the divine virtue of matchmaking from Inada Hime no Mikoto
- Traffic Safety Amulet: Amulet for praying for traffic safety
- Academic Achievement Amulet: Amulet for praying for improvement in studies
- Safe Childbirth Amulet: Amulet for praying for safe delivery
Shrine Ofuda (Sacred Talismans)
Sacred talismans for enshrining in the home altar are also distributed. By enshrining Hikawa Shrine’s sacred talisman in your home altar, families can receive the divine virtues of household safety and good health throughout the year.
Shinto Wedding Ceremonies at Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrines offer traditional Shinto wedding ceremonies. In particular, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, and Akasaka Hikawa Shrine are also known for their divine virtues of matchmaking and are popular wedding venues.
Flow of Shinto Wedding Ceremony
A Shinto wedding ceremony is Japan’s traditional wedding ritual, conducted as follows:
- Sangenshin (Sacred Procession): The bride and groom are led into the main hall by shrine priests
- Shubatsu (Purification): Purification is received
- Noritosoujo (Recitation of Ritual Words): A shrine priest recites ritual words
- Sankonnoqi (Three Cup Ceremony): The bride and groom exchange cups
- Seishisoujo (Vow Recitation): The bride and groom recite their marriage vows
- Tamagushihouten (Jeweled Branch Offering): The couple offers a jeweled branch before the deity
- Ring Exchange
- Family Cup Ceremony
Reservations and Fees
Reservations for Shinto wedding ceremonies are accepted at each shrine’s office. Initial offering fees (ceremony fees) vary by shrine but typically range around 100,000 yen. Please inquire directly with each shrine for details.
Divine Virtues of Hikawa Shrine|Blessings Bestowed
The divine virtues of Hikawa Shrine are based on the divine attributes of the enshrined deities: Susanoo no Mikoto, Inada Hime no Mikoto, and Oonamuchi no Mikoto.
Principal Divine Virtues
Calamity Ward-off and Disaster Prevention:
From the mythology where Susanoo no Mikoto defeated the eight-headed serpent, the shrine is believed to bestow divine virtues of calamity ward-off and disaster prevention.
Matchmaking and Marital Harmony:
Through the veneration of the husband-and-wife deities Susanoo no Mikoto and Inada Hime no Mikoto, the shrine bestows divine virtues of matchmaking, marital harmony, and household harmony.
Business Prosperity and Enterprise Development:
From the divine attribute of Oonamuchi no Mikoto (Okuninushi no Mikoto) as a nation-building deity, the shrine bestows divine virtues of business prosperity and enterprise development.
Household Safety:
From its character as a family deity, the shrine emphasizes divine virtues of household safety and continuation of descendants.
Recovery from Illness:
From the purifying power of Susanoo no Mikoto as a tempestuous deity, divine virtues of recovery from illness are also attributed to the shrine.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine|Hikawa Shrine Famous for Matchmaking
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is particularly known for its divine virtues of matchmaking. With approximately 1,500 years of history, it serves as the general tutelary shrine of Kawagoe, gathering local residents’ faith.
Lucky Charm Stones
The signature item of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the “Lucky Charm Stone.” These are small stones wrapped in hemp netting by shrine maidens, distributed free of charge each morning, limited to 20 per day. Possessing a lucky charm stone is believed to bring good fortune in romance, with many people lining up early morning to receive them.
Decorated Fish Drawing Fortunes
The “Decorated Fish Drawing Fortune” is a popular item shaped like a sea bream. In this fortune-telling method, visitors use a fishing rod to “catch” a fish bream, considered auspicious through the wordplay “medetai” (auspicious/fish-related).
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s Festivals
The “Kawagoe Festival,” held annually in October, originates from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine’s annual festival and is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The sight of lavish festival floats parading through the city is impressive.
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine|Hikawa Shrine in the Heart of Tokyo
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine, located in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo, is a Hikawa Shrine that maintains a serene atmosphere despite being in the heart of the city. With history dating from the Edo period, the current shrine building was constructed in Kyoho 15 (1730) by order of the eighth shogun, Tokugawa Yoshimune.
Tokyo Designated Tangible Cultural Property
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine’s main hall, intermediate hall, and worship hall, well-preserving the characteristics of Edo-period shrine architecture, are designated as Tokyo’s tangible cultural properties.
Matchmaking Pilgrimage
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is also known for divine virtues of matchmaking, with a special pilgrimage form called “Matchmaking Pilgrimage.” Once monthly, a special blessing ceremony for good fortune in romance is held, welcoming many worshippers.
Access
Located approximately 8 minutes on foot from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line’s Akasaka Station, or approximately 8 minutes on foot from the Namboku Line’s Roppongi Ichome Station.
Shrine Visiting Etiquette and Ritual Practices at Hikawa Shrine
When visiting a shrine, it is important to observe basic ritual practices.
Passing Through the Torii Gate
The torii gate marks the entrance to the sacred realm. Before passing through, bow respectfully and walk along the path’s edges, avoiding the center. The center is considered the path of the deity.
Hand Purification Ritual
- Hold the ladle in your right hand and purify your left hand
- Transfer the ladle to your left hand and purify your right hand
- Again hold the ladle in your right hand, receive water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth
- Purify your left hand once more
- Stand the ladle upright and allow water to flow over its handle, then return it to its position
Bowing Ritual
At Hikawa Shrine, the ritual is “two bows, two claps, one bow”:
- Place an offering in the offering box (place gently rather than toss)
- Ring the bell
- Bow deeply twice
- Clap your hands twice at chest height
- Place your hands together and offer your prayer
- Make one final deep bow
The Contemporary Role of Hikawa Shrine
Even today, Hikawa Shrine plays an important role as a central presence in regional society.
Community Center
As the local tutelary deity, Hikawa Shrine serves as the spiritual foundation for local residents. Through festivals, it strengthens community bonds and serves as a place for transmitting traditional culture to future generations.
Cultural Property Protection
Hikawa Shrine’s shrine buildings, grove, and approach are protected as valuable cultural assets and natural heritage. In an era of advancing urbanization, the continued preservation of these holds important historical and cultural significance.
Tourist Resource
Hikawa Shrine is an important tourist resource attracting visitors from both Japan and abroad. In particular, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine and Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine are popular tourist destinations.
Place of Spiritual Comfort
As a place to escape modern society’s stress and offer quiet prayer, Hikawa Shrine provides spiritual comfort to many people. Its grounds, surrounded by abundant nature, function as an oasis within the city.
Hikawa Shrine in the Reiwa Era|Preparations for the 2,500-Year Anniversary Festival
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine will mark its 2,500-year anniversary in Reiwa 10 (2028). Various preparations are underway toward this momentous milestone.
Commemorative Projects
Various projects are planned for the 2,500-year anniversary, including shrine building restoration, shrine grounds maintenance, and commemorative event planning. Through these projects, efforts are underway to transmit Hikawa Shrine’s history and traditions to the future.
Digital Advancement Initiatives
Recent years have seen advancing digitalization at Hikawa Shrine. Official website information provision, promotional activities through SNS, and online mailing of distributed items are among the time-appropriate initiatives being undertaken.
Internationalization Responses
With increased numbers of international visitors, multilingual signage and expanded English explanatory materials are being developed. The shrine is also taking on the role of a window for sharing Japan’s traditional culture with the world.
Conclusion|The Appeal and Value of Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrine is a foremost ancient shrine with over 2,400 years of history, revered as the Ichinomiya of Musashi Province and gathering devoted faith throughout the Kanto region. Enshrining deities of the Izumo system centered on Susanoo no Mikoto, it is known for divine virtues of calamity ward-off, matchmaking, and household safety.
The network of over 280 Hikawa Shrines, with Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine as the head shrine and distributed primarily in the Kanto region, speaks to the history of Izumo people’s eastward expansion in ancient times. With Japan’s longest sacred approach, a shrine interior surrounded by abundant nature, and solemn festivals, Hikawa Shrine holds many appeals.
Even today, Hikawa Shrine continues its important role as a community center, protector of cultural heritage, tourist resource, and place of spiritual comfort. With the 2,500-year anniversary festival approaching in Reiwa 10, further development is anticipated.
Visiting Hikawa Shrine provides a precious opportunity to touch Japan’s history and traditional culture. By all means, visit Hikawa Shrine and experience the solemn atmosphere of its grounds, abundant natural surroundings, and the spiritual breath of faith transmitted over 2,400 years.
