Hikawa-jinja Shrine

Information

Hikawa Shrine is one of the very few historic and formal shrines in Japan. Omiya, literally meaning, “Great Shrine” received its name from the Hikawa-jinja Shrine. It is said that the shrine was founded more than 2,000 years ago, during the reign of the 5th Emperor Kosho. As Musashi Ichi-no-miya (which means “top ranking shrine in the Land of Musashi”), it is a center of religious faith in the Kanto region and about 1.8 million people come here for the New Year's visit. In addition, shrines with the same name, “Hikawa-jinja Shrine,” are found in various locations in Saitama, Tokyo and Kanagawa Prefectures centered in Omiya, numbering a total of 280.
When you exit the 2km road leading up to the shrine, you will arrive at the compound where the main hall and worship hall stand side by side, and will be impressed by the dignified calm of the surroundings. A number of ceremonies, such as Omiya Takigi Noh (noh theater by firelight) in May, Reitai-sai Festival in August and Daito-sai Festival in December are held here throughout the year. The whole area is surrounded by the abundant natural setting of the Omiya Park.

Opening Hours

• 5:00 - 18:00 (May - August)
• 5:30 - 17:30 (March, April, September, and October)
• 6:00 - 16:30 (November - February)

Closed

• No closing days

Price / Entrance Fee

• Admission Free

Access / Public Transport

• 15 minutes walk from JR Omiya Station

Address / Location

• 1-407, Takahanacho, Omiya-ku Saitama-shi, Saitama, 330-0803

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Notes