How can I get to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine?

The shrine is accessible by train and bus from Kawagoe Station. It's about a 20-minute walk from the station.

Is the shrine wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the main areas of the shrine are accessible, though some parts may have steps or uneven ground.

Is there an entrance fee for visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine?

No, there is no entrance fee to visit the shrine.

Can you participate in a traditional Shinto ceremony at the shrine?

Yes, visitors can participate in ceremonies, including blessings and rituals for good fortune.

Are there any special events or festivals held at the shrine?

Yes, besides the Wind Chime Festival, the shrine hosts various seasonal festivals and events throughout the year.

Saitama

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

4.3 (13746)Shinto ShrineTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a 1,500-year-old Shinto shrine located in Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. Founded in 541 AD during the Kofun period, the shrine has served as a spiritual center for the region for over a millennium. The current main hall was reconstructed in 1842 during the late Edo period and features intricate wooden carvings and traditional architecture characteristic of that era.

The shrine is dedicated to five deities and has become renowned as a power spot for matchmaking and marital harmony. This reputation attracts couples and singles seeking blessings for relationships, making it one of the most popular shrines in the Kanto region for romantic fortune. The shrine's 15-meter torii gate, constructed from Japanese cypress, stands as one of the largest wooden torii in the country and marks the entrance to the sacred grounds.

Visitors can participate in several unique shrine traditions. The Ema tunnel features thousands of wooden prayer plaques arranged in a corridor formation, creating a photogenic pathway. Each morning, shrine maidens distribute 20 free omamori amulets called "ai-tai mikuji" on a first-come, first-served basis to those seeking romantic fortune. The shrine also offers the tai mikuji experience, where visitors fish for sea bream-shaped paper fortunes using a small rod. During summer weekends from July to September, the shrine hosts an evening wind chime festival displaying over 2,000 glass wind chimes in the courtyard.

The shrine grounds include a small stream where visitors can write wishes on paper and float them in the water, as well as an adjacent wooded area providing a peaceful atmosphere within the urban setting. Photography is permitted throughout most areas, though respectful behavior near worship spaces is expected.

From Tokyo, take the JR or Tobu Tojo Line to Hon-Kawagoe Station or Kawagoe Station, then either walk approximately 20-25 minutes or take a local bus to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The shrine is also a 10-minute walk from Kawagoe's famous Kurazukuri historical district, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing. Admission is free, though individual prayer services and omamori purchases require separate payment.

Hours

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Phone

+81 49-224-0589

Website

www.kawagoehikawa.jp

The area

Address

Japan, 〒350-0052 Saitama, Kawagoe, Miyashitamachi, 2-chōme−１１−３

Hours

Sunday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Saturday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

What other travelers are saying about Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

We visited on October 26th 2025. It was a Sunday and it was busy in some parts of the shrine grounds. When we had been planning our day in Kawagoe, we had looked at this shrine and wondered if we wanted to visit or was it too far to walk to? After the women at the tourist information center told us we could "fish" for our fortunes and it wasn't that far to walk, we decided to visit. There are many lanterns and a large torii gate. A small stream runs along the edge of the grounds. The place was pretty, despite being busy, We did indeed "fish" for our fortunes, which was shaped like fish. There were different colors though we didn't know what the different colors meant so we both got a red fish. We walked through the ema tunnel and got a goshuin at the end of our visit.

Nearby attractions to see

Toki no Kane Time Bell Tower

A traditional Japanese pagoda with a tiled roof and intricate wooden details stands surrounded by bare trees and a fence on a clear, sunny day.

Kitain Temple

Yono Park

Jionji Temple

Nearby attractions to see

Toki no Kane Time Bell Tower

Kitain Temple

Yono Park

Jionji Temple

More about Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine from our blog

Frequently Asked Questions

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is a beautiful and peaceful spot that feels a little magical, especially if you enjoy traditional Japanese shrines. The atmosphere is calm and well maintained, with charming details everywhere you look. It’s especially famous for its wind chimes in summer, which add a lovely soundscape and make the visit feel very special. The shrine is easy to reach from Kawagoe’s main areas and makes a perfect stop when exploring the city. Whether you’re interested in Japanese culture, photography, or just want a quiet place to slow down, this shrine is definitely worth a visit.

Symeon

Jan 17, 2026

It’s located near Kawagoe’s old town so it’s easy to combine your visit with exploring traditional streets, cafes, and souvenir shops. The atmosphere is calm and full of positive energy. One of the most special things about this shrine is the love fortune fishing, you can “fish” a small paper fortune using a cute fish-shaped charm, which is a unique and fun experience. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is not only beautiful but also heartwarming. Whether you want to pray for love, take lovely photos, or simply relax, it’s a wonderful place to visit. Highly recommended!

Chub Bieboi

Nov 5, 2025

It’s a beautiful Edo town situated just a few kilometers away from center Tokyo.. you can enjoy the ancient Japanese culture and shrines here. It’s a great place to just stroll through the town on a sunny day

Venus Pathania

Feb 24, 2026

I stumbled upon this shrine upon my walk and it was so serene. There’s special omikuji where you have to “fish” them, it was very cute! The shrine also have giant trees and also a tunnel full of Ema. The vibe of this shrine is amazing and it’s worth your visit 💖