Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

A Sacred Site with 1,500 Years of History in Little Edo

In the charming town of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture—often called “Little Edo” for its traditional architecture—you’ll find a shrine that radiates quiet strength and sacred warmth.

This is Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, said to have been founded over 1,500 years ago, long serving as the guardian shrine of Kawagoe.
Today, it is widely known as a powerful enmusubi (matchmaking) shrine, attracting visitors from across Japan who pray for love, family harmony, and meaningful relationships.

Five Deities of Bonding and a Serene Atmosphere

The shrine enshrines five Shinto deities, including Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushiinadahime-no-Mikoto, who form a divine married couple.
Because the enshrined gods represent marriage, parent-child bonds, and harmonious relationships, the shrine has become a popular place to seek blessings for all kinds of human connections.

Inside the grounds, you'll find a 15-meter torii gate surrounded by trees, a seasonal Enmusubi Wind Chime display, and the charming Tai-Mikuji—where visitors "fish" for sea bream-shaped omikuji (fortunes).
With its natural tranquility and gently welcoming atmosphere, the shrine offers a space where you can truly feel your heart settle.

Seasonal Celebrations of Light, Sound, and Spiritual Bonds

Throughout the year, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine hosts a variety of seasonal events.
Among the most enchanting is the Enmusubi Wind Chime Festival in summer, when over 2,000 wind chimes are displayed across the shrine grounds. As the wind blows, the soft melodies of the chimes fill the air, inviting blessings and peace.

At night, the shrine is illuminated, creating a romantic and dreamlike scene of light and sound that’s perfect for couples and photographers alike.
Other annual events include New Year’s visits, Shichi-Go-San ceremonies, and peaceful morning prayers, making the shrine a year-round destination for spiritual reflection.

 

Visit Kawagoe and Find the Connection You Seek

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is beloved for its matchmaking powers—but its role goes deeper than that.
It is a place to reconnect with others and with yourself, offering moments of quiet reflection in the midst of daily life.

Combine your visit with a stroll through the nostalgic streets of Kawagoe, and you’ll discover a journey rich in tradition, beauty, and heart.
For a peaceful escape and a place to honor the connections that matter most, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine awaits you.

Japanese people have treasured shrines and temples since ancient times. As these are places of worship, please be extremely careful not to make noise or litter, and we hope that both you and your guests will have a pleasant stay in Japan.