- Culture
- Saitama
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
The center of worship in Kanto as Musashi Ichinomiya
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is one of the most ancient shrines in Japan with over 2,400 years of history. The name of the city of Omiya is derived from the great shrine. The shrine is the focus of worship in Kanto as Musashi Ichinomiya (the highest-ranking shrine in the Musashi Region), attracting many people at the beginning of a new year.
The history of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
The enshrined deities are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inadahime-no-Mikoto, and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto. The shrine was constructed approximately 2,400 years ago and designated as Musashi Ichinomiya (the highest-ranking shrine in the Musashi Region) approximately 1,200 years ago.
Seasonal festivals that attract many visitors
Many visitors come to the shrine to enjoy seasonal festivals such as Chinowa Kuguri (walking through a large grass "chinowa" hoop), Reitaisai Festival (Grand Festival) and Daitosai Festival (Toka-ichi, or market held on the 10th, 20th and 30th day of a month). During New Year's holidays, over 2 million visitors come to pray for good fortune in the coming year. In May, noh is performed in the precincts, illuminated by torches. The performance will allure the audience into the world of mysterious profundity.
The approach to the shrine running 2 kilometers in the north-south direction, beautifully lined with Japanese elm trees
The approach to Hikawa Shrine is 2 kilometers long in the north-south direction, starting at the old main road. The approach is lined with about 650 tall trees of approximately 40 variations, such as Japanese elm, chinquapin, and Japanese hackberry. The approach to Hikawa Shrine has three large entrance gates, which are called Ichi-no-Torii (the first gate), Ni-no-Torii (the second gate) and San-no-Torii (the third gate) in the order of distance from the shrine building. Meiji Jingu in Tokyo donated Ni-no-Torii, which was reconstructed at Hikawa Shrine. It is one of the highest torii among the existing wooden gates at 13 meters.
Location
| Name | Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine |
|---|---|
| Web Sites | http://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/chokotabi-saitama/eng/spot/sp7.html |
| Address | 1-407 Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama-shi, Saitama |
| Access | Approximately 15 minutes' walk from the east exit of JR Omiya Station |
| Business Hours | Varies by season Reception of prayers: 8:45 to 15:45 Time for purchasing household talisman: 8:30 to 16:30 |
| Inquiries | TEL: 048-641-0137 (Business hours: 9:00 to 16:00) |
