Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe)
氷川神社（川越）
Saitama · Kawagoe
Hikawa Relationship Bonds
Kanpei Taisha
Ichinomiya (Musashi Province)
Hikawa Shrine (Omiya)
氷川神社
/ Hikawa Jinja
Admission
Free
Goshuin (Temple Seal)
500 JPY
Access
15 min walk
Hours
5:30-17:30 (varies by season)
Overview
Hikawa Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 280 Hikawa shrines in the Kanto region, and the ichinomiya of ancient Musashi Province, which encompassed modern Tokyo, Saitama, and parts of Kanagawa. The city of Omiya ('Great Shrine') takes its name from this shrine. The 2-kilometer sando (approach road) from Omiya Station is one of the longest shrine approaches in Japan, lined with zelkova and cherry trees. The shrine is set within a primeval forest in the heart of a major city. Emperor Meiji personally elevated the shrine above all others in the Kanto region when he visited in 1868, making it the region's spiritual center during the modernization of Japan.
History
Founding
📜According to tradition
-473 [孝昭天皇3年]
Traditional founding dated to 473 BC, making it one of the oldest claimed shrines in Japan. The Izumo clan was connected to the shrine's establishment. Originally ranked as san-no-miya (third shrine) of Musashi Province, but was elevated to ichinomiya by Emperor Meiji. The district name 'Omiya' (Great Shrine) itself derives from this shrine.
1868📄Documented
Emperor Meiji personally visited and elevated shrine to highest rank in Kanto
Enshrined Deities
⛩
primary Deity
God of storms, the sea, and martial valor; also revered as a deity of plague prevention
⛩
secondary Deity
Goddess of rice paddies and marriage; bride rescued from the serpent by Susanoo
⛩
secondary Deity
God of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and en-musubi (binding of fates/relationships)
Blessings
Shrine Network
Hikawa head
Head shrine of approximately 280 branch shrines nationwide.
Did You Know?
💡
The district 'Omiya' literally means 'Great Shrine,' named after this shrine — making it one of few shrines that named the city around it.
Source: documented
💡
Originally ranked as the third shrine (san-no-miya) of Musashi Province in medieval records like the Azuma Kagami.
Source: documented
In Pop Culture
anime / 1991
Sailor Moon Hikawa Shrine in Omiya, Saitama. As the head shrine of Hikawa shrines, some fans also associate it with the series.
Practical Information
Location Coordinates
35.9071, 139.6288
Physical Address
1-407 Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama, Saitama
埼玉県さいたま市大宮区高鼻町1-407
Access
Omiya Station (JR various lines)
15 min walk
Hours
5:30-17:30 (varies by season)
Visitor information last verified: 2026-04-06. Please check the official website for the latest details.
Related Shrines
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
赤坂氷川神社
Tokyo · Minato-ku
Hikawa Relationship Bonds
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
川越氷川神社
Saitama · Kawagoe
Hikawa Matchmaking
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (Women's)
氷川女體神社
Saitama · Saitama (Midori-ku)
Hikawa Safe Childbirth
Nezu Shrine
根津神社
Tokyo · Bunkyo
Independent Warding Off Evil
Kanasana Shrine
金鑚神社
Saitama · Kamikawa
Independent Ichinomiya Fire Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
What is Hikawa Shrine (Omiya)?
Hikawa Shrine is the head shrine of approximately 280 Hikawa shrines in the Kanto region, and the ichinomiya of ancient Musashi Province, which encompassed modern Tokyo, Saitama, and parts of Kanagawa. The city of Omiya ('Great Shrine') takes its name from this shrine. The 2-kilometer sando (approach road) from Omiya Station is one of the longest shrine approaches in Japan, lined with zelkova and cherry trees. The shrine is set within a primeval forest in the heart of a major city. Emperor Meiji personally elevated the shrine above all others in the Kanto region when he visited in 1868, making it the region's spiritual center during the modernization of Japan.
Where is Hikawa Shrine (Omiya) located?
Hikawa Shrine (Omiya) is located in Saitama (Omiya), Saitama. The full address is: 1-407 Takahana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama, Saitama.
What deities are enshrined at Hikawa Shrine (Omiya)?
The enshrined deities are: Susanoo no Mikoto, Kushinadahime no Mikoto, Okuninushi no Mikoto.
What blessings can you pray for at Hikawa Shrine (Omiya)?
Hikawa Shrine (Omiya) is known for: Matchmaking, Marriage, Family Harmony, General Prosperity.
How do I get to Hikawa Shrine (Omiya)?
The nearest station is Omiya Station (JR various lines). It is about a 15-minute walk from the station.