They have peacocks and chikens here.
It dates back to approximately 1,500 years ago during the reign of Emperor Kinmei (539-571), when Omikami was enshrined here. During the Heian period, Hisaizu Shrines spread along the Moto-Arakawa River, and during the Sengoku period, it was established as the main guardian deity within the Shinshoji Kuruwa moat of Iwatsuki Castle, making it a historic shrine.
There is a long approach lined with lush trees from the first torii gate to the worship hall, and there is also a peacock aviary. The grounds have been beautifully maintained during the major construction work carried out during the Heisei era.
There is a parking lot for visitors to the right of the first torii gate.
This was my first visit since moving to Saitama City, and it was simply amazing! If you haven't already, I highly recommend it! ✂︎
Iwatsuki Hisaizu Shrine is a historic shrine located in Miyamachi, Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, known as the main guardian deity of Iwatsuki. Its beautiful main building and lush grounds are captivating. Below are some highlights.
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Basic Information and Access
• Address: 2-6-55 Miyamachi, Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City  
• Access: Approximately a 15-minute walk from the west exit of Iwatsuki Station on the Tobu Urban Park Line (Noda Line). Parking available (approximately 100 spaces, free)
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History and Origins
• Founding: It is said to have begun during the reign of Emperor Kinmei (approximately 1,400-1,500 years ago), when the Haji clan of the Izumo tribe enshrined Okuninushi no Mikoto (Okuninushi no Mikoto) at this site.
• Relationship to Iwatsuki Castle: During the Sengoku period, when Ota Dokan built Iwatsuki Castle, it was made the guardian deity of the castle. Later, Tokugawa Ieyasu is said to have prayed to the shrine to ward off evil spirits from Edo Castle.
• Shrine Status: Formerly a village shrine and a local shrine, it was elevated to a prefectural shrine in 1945. In recent years, the "Heisei Great Reconstruction" was carried out in 2014, and the shrine building was newly renovated.
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Enshrined Deity and Faith
• Enshrined Deity: Okuninushi-no-Mikoto (Okuninushi-no-Mikoto). He is believed to have many divine virtues, including matchmaking, fertility, safe childbirth, protection from disasters, good fortune, business, agriculture, and medicine.  
• Kuizu Faith: The Kuizu Shrine group, which spreads across the Moto-Arakawa River basin, including this shrine, is considered a regional faith alongside Hikawa and Katori Shrines, suggesting ties to local powers in the Middle Ages. 
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Highlights of the Shrine Grounds
• Chinju no Mori: The approach to the shrine, shaded by lush trees, forms a green tunnel, creating a tranquil and calm atmosphere. 
• Peacocks and Chickens: In 1938, Prince Asaka donated three peacocks. Since then, peacocks have been carefully kept as the shrine's symbol. Along with the chickens released into the grounds, this is a soothing spot for animal lovers.  
• Shrine Treasures:
• Mother-of-pearl saddle (early Edo period, dedicated by Abe Shigetsugu, lord of Iwatsuki Domain)
• Large sword (1655, dedicated by Takanaga, son of Takachika Tadafusa)
• Portable shrine (rearranged to celebrate the enthronement of Emperor Showa)
• Imperial decree of the rank of Shoichii (first rank) (1704, by Ogasawara Nagashige, lord of Iwatsuki Castle)
• Subsidiary shrines: Many are enshrined within the grounds, including Kitano Tenmangu Shrine (for academic success) and Koshinsha Shrine (for traffic safety).
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Annual Events and Visitor Information
• Major Events:
• Spring Festival (April 19th) and Autumn Festival (October 19th)
• Setsubun Festival (February 3rd), Summer Purification Ceremony (June 30th), Shichi-Go-San Festival (November 15th), etc.    .
• Visitor Information:
• The grounds are open 24 hours a day (prayer requests accepted from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM)  .
• Goshuin (stamps) (500 yen) and peacock-themed goshuincho (stamp booklets) (approximately 1,300 yen) are also popular. .
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Iwatsuki Hisaizu Shrine is a shrine forest steeped in history and faith, offering a place to enjoy nature, shrine treasures, culture, and worship experiences.✂︎
It is pronounced "Hisaizu". There are many Hisaizu shrines scattered around this area of Saitama Prefecture, and this shrine in Iwatsuki is one of them. It is the main shrine, with a large precinct and surrounded by lush trees, making it a dignified shrine. Long ago, it was a separate administrative district called Iwatsuki City, but in recent years, it has been incorporated into the government-designated city with the creation of Saitama City. Geographically, it is located on the north side of the Tobu Railway Urban Park Line (formerly the Noda Line), almost halfway between Iwatsuki Station and Higashi-Iwatsuki Station, and if you cross the Moto-Arakawa River from Higashi-Iwatsuki on the Tonomiya pedestrian bridge, you can visit the shrine from either station at almost the same distance. However, the first torii gate is on the south side of the railroad crossing, so if you want to go straight along the approach, it would be best to get off at Iwatsuki Station. It is within walking distance of the station, but if you are walking, it may be better to go from the north exit of Iwatsuki Station. If you are driving, it may be more convenient to exit Iwatsuki IC on the Tohoku Expressway and go east on the prefectural road from the Miyagaya Pagoda intersection to the Castle Ruins Park Entrance intersection.
As you walk along the approach surrounded by tall trees, you will come across a pond in the open grounds on the left side of the temple grounds, where steam-like smoke has been rising for quite some time. Once you pass this and the main hall comes into view, the gift shop will be diagonally to the left and the main hall will be directly ahead. The gift shop is made of glass, and behind the automatic doors, there are a variety of amulets and talismans for wishes. There are only a few character items featuring famous characters such as Rilakkuma and Sanrio. During the New Year's visit and Shichigosan festivals, the parking lot and other areas can become very crowded, so you will need to plan your visit accordingly.
Well, the other day I went to a place called Iwatsuki. Why? Well, it wasn't just to have a look around. I was planning to take a look at Kuizu Shrine, the main shrine of Iwatsuki. Its name is, well, "Kuizu," and it's also known as the "Quiz Shrine." Well, I thought my visit would turn into a test of my wisdom.
A 15-minute walk west from the station, and as soon as I entered the approach to the shrine, I was greeted by a burst of greenery. It's as if the trees were whispering, "Ah, welcome!" The grounds are lush on both sides, and even though it's daytime, sunlight filters through the trees. I couldn't help but mutter, "Oh, this is a natural spotlight," and a woman walking behind me started giggling.
As I passed through the torii gate, I heard a peacock chirp from the distance. It sounded like it was booming, "Cheer!" I heard it's a historic peacock donated by His Imperial Highness during the Showa era. The moment it spread its wings, I couldn't help but applaud, saying, "What a magnificent fan!" The peacock glanced my way, not seeming entirely opposed.
As I approached the shrine, I was struck by its imposing presence. Okuninushi-no-Mikoto was standing there, offering everything from matchmaking and fertility, to safe childbirth and protection from evil. I'm a greedy person, so I prayed for good health, prosperity in business, and the first prize in the lottery, but an old man beside me interrupted, saying, "Being greedy will trouble the gods."
After putting in my offering and properly performing the two bows, two claps, and one bow, I felt a sense of relief. Looking around, I saw stone monuments, lanterns, and the weight of history. There's no shortage of stories to tell, like how Ota Dokan rebuilt the shrine to protect his castle, or how Tokugawa Ieyasu also prayed there to ward off evil spirits. I could probably use three opening lines for a rakugo performance just like this.
On my way home, I remembered the origin of its nickname, "Quiz Shrine." It was even used as a qualifying venue for the American TV show "Super Quiz." I thought I'd try posing a multiple-choice question of my own while I was there: "Who is behind the main hall? 1. Okuninushi-no-Mikoto 2. A peacock 3. The ghost of Dokan"...well, the answer is obvious, though.
So, Kuizu Shrine is more than just a visit. With history, nature, and laughter all together, it's like a whole story's worth of material is rolling out. As I was leaving, the peacock chirped again, so I bowed and said, "I hope you enjoy the rest of your day."
