The Nuptial Tie Ginkgo tree is one of the shrine's most beloved features and a symbol of romantic connection. Originally two separate ginkgo trees—one male and one female—were planted in 1933 to celebrate the birth of Emperor Heisei (now Emperor Emeritus). Over decades, these trees grew together and intertwined, creating a natural union that has made the shrine particularly popular for those seeking blessings for love and marriage. The merged tree represents enduring partnership and attracts couples and those hoping to find romantic relationships.
Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine hosts several traditional events throughout the year. The Hydrangea Festival runs from May through early July, when the grounds bloom with beautiful hydrangea flowers. In June, the shrine holds the Children's Sumo Tournament (the 15th annual tournament), which attracts young participants and families. During summer, visitors can participate in the Chinowa Kuguri ritual, a traditional purification ceremony involving passing through a large grass ring to ward off illness and misfortune. The shrine also celebrates its 1000-year anniversary with special commemorative goshuin stamps and events.
Admission to Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine is completely free. The shrine also provides free parking that can accommodate up to 30 vehicles, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. This accessibility, combined with its location closer to the shopping district than the main tourist zone, offers a more peaceful and local temple experience compared to some of Kawagoe's busier attractions.
The shrine is conveniently located approximately 6 minutes on foot from both JR Kawagoe Station and Tobu Tojo Line Kawagoe Station. This makes it easily accessible for day-trippers from Tokyo and other nearby cities. The shrine's proximity to both stations means visitors can explore it as part of a walking tour of Kawagoe's historic attractions, including the famous Kurazukuri (warehouse) district and other cultural sites in the area.
Traveler reviews
We visited on October 26th 2025. It was a rainy day so we had our umbrellas out but that didn't detract from the pretty lantern-lined walkway behind the big red torii gate. The place felt peaceful despite people coming and going to pray.
Behind the main hall, there are several little shrines, which you get to by walking through the garden. The vermillion red mixed with the green so wonderfully. We really enjoyed our visit to this shrine. We finished by getting a goshuin.
A small lovely shrine near a shopping district & about a 10 minute walk from Kawagoe Station. The place is very well maintained & clean. They also have several goshuins available.
Quite a cute shrine. Good to visit. As many shrines in Japan, no disappointments here. Was sunny and locals were there. Kids dressed in in traditional clothes.
Hachimangu is a popular shrine to worship at in Kawagoe. For New Years people line up for "hatsumode" the first homage of the year. They put up a large prayer plaque on the fence at the back of the grounds, facing out to the street, with the zodiac sign animal depicted on it. For this year, 2019, it is a boar.
There is also a shrine and some other religious paraphernalia on the grounds. They have events during the year including a children's sumo competition. There is some parking on the grounds, but during busy periods it is hard to get a spot. There are coin parking lots nearby.
This is a very unique shrine where you can get rid of bad luck or pray for protection from difficulty... by smashing a stone ball into a big stone.
There's also an area specifically for people that want to have better eyes. There's also an area for people who want at succeed on an entrance exam. There's also an area for people who want to wish for better foot health.
If you're in Kawagoe anyway, take a leisurely walk from the station and swing by here!
