It is one of the most famous shrines in Kawagoe. It is not huge but very delicate and spiritual. There are different smaller shrines or temples for different gods - division of labour(?). All are very nice! Somehow I was reminded the setting of Silent Hill F.
I really like the amulets and charms. All of them are cute and beautiful. I have got a koi charm accompanying a fortune telling script.
Take a bus from the Kawagoe Station or a walk of around 40 minutes. I'd recommend taking a bus to there. Then, you can walk to the Edo streets from there, all the way to the station.
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.
A beautiful and serene shrine with a wonderful atmosphere. The long approach to the shrine is lined with stunning trees, making the walk very peaceful. It’s a perfect place to experience traditional Japanese culture away from the crowds. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a bit of tranquility.
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 💖
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.
