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.

A large, bright orange torii gate stands at the entrance to a shrine, surrounded by tall trees and buildings, with a few people walking beneath it on a paved path.

A pathway decorated with blue and white pinwheels leads to a traditional wooden shrine surrounded by trees. A person in light clothing stands near the shrine entrance under a sunny sky.

Black metal lanterns with glowing lights hang from a wooden ceiling. The lanterns feature a cutout chrysanthemum flower design, casting warm light in a shaded area with soft greenery visible in the background.

A small red fish-shaped charm, decorated with Japanese writing, hangs by a string above a box filled with similar red and black fish charms at a market or festival stall.

Two black decorative lanterns hang in the foreground, each with a floral pattern. In the background, colorful glass wind chimes are displayed on wooden frames amid lush green trees.

Saitama

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

4.3 (13655)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

Trip templates featuring Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

The Tokyo Radius

Hilda Jonsdottir

Trip templates featuring Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

The Tokyo Radius

Hilda Jonsdottir

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.

Emma Schouten

Jan 21, 2026

Very peaceful, beautiful, and magical shrine here. They had multiple different pathways you can take that lead to a tunnel of wishes and around the Shrine. Trees surround the place so it is quite peaceful and quite here.

Reviews4life

Jan 30, 2026

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 Theocharous

Jan 17, 2026

The shrine has a huge torii at the back which is picture worthy. There were lots of traditional festive activities happening at the jinsha which tourist might be able to observe and enjoy. And if not, you can always enjoy shopping for lucky charm and gochuin.

Chris

Oct 31, 2025

A little far off the main street (about 15mins walk but not hard to navigate, although walking along the road with cars passing by can be a little scary). Interesting activities like “fishing” for luck and also the tunnel to explore. Nearby there is a canal which gives a rustic feel.