Hokkaido Shrine
北海道神宮
鷲宮神社
/ Washinomiya Jinja
Washinomiya Shrine holds a unique position as both one of the oldest shrines in the Kanto region and the birthplace of Japan's anime pilgrimage (seichi junrei) phenomenon. After the 2007 anime 'Lucky Star' featured the shrine, visitor numbers surged from 130,000 to 470,000 in a single year. The shrine embraced its new fans, offering Lucky Star-themed ema and even featuring anime characters on manhole covers.
Lucky Star fans created a custom mikoshi (portable shrine) that has been paraded in the annual festival since 2008.
Source: documented
Washinomiya Shrine (Washimiya) in Kuki, Saitama. One of the most iconic anime pilgrimage sites in Japan. The shrine appears in the anime's opening sequence. The shrine officially embraced the connection, selling themed ema and hosting events. Often credited as starting the anime pilgrimage trend.
Location Coordinates
36.0810, 139.6050
1-6-1 Washinomiya, Kuki, Saitama
埼玉県久喜市鷲宮1-6-1
Washinomiya Station (Tobu Isesaki Line)
Open daily
北海道神宮
上川神社
帯廣神社
樽前山神社
美瑛神社
旭川神社
Information provided by Jinja DB Editorial Team
Washinomiya Shrine holds a unique position as both one of the oldest shrines in the Kanto region and the birthplace of Japan's anime pilgrimage (seichi junrei) phenomenon. After the 2007 anime 'Lucky Star' featured the shrine, visitor numbers surged from 130,000 to 470,000 in a single year. The shrine embraced its new fans, offering Lucky Star-themed ema and even featuring anime characters on manhole covers.
Washinomiya Shrine is located in Kuki, Saitama. The full address is: 1-6-1 Washinomiya, Kuki, Saitama.
The enshrined deities are: amenohohi.