Japan boasts countless temples and shrines. Unlike our monotheistic churches, Japanese temples and shrines venerate various deities, some with specific "specialties." Today, we're talking about Hikawa Shrine (氷川神社), located in Kawagoe, Saitama Ward (near Tokyo), also known by the affectionate name "Shrine of Love.".
History of the sanctuary
Founded during the reign of Emperor Kinmei (欽明天皇), in 541, the shrine quickly gained great influence.
Since 1457 and the founding of Kawagoe Castle, successive lords of the Kawagoe domain have venerated the shrine as the home of the protective spirit of the town and castle. The 15-meter-high torii gate is one of the tallest wooden torii gates in Japan.
The shrine is dedicated to the spirits of five deities: Susanoo-no-mikoto (the storm kami who rules the seas), his wife Kushinada-hime (the rice goddess), and their son Onamichino-mikoto (the god of agriculture and medicine). Kushinada-hime's parents, Ashinaduchi-no-mikoto and Tenaduchi-no-mikoto, are also enshrined there. Because these deities form a family, including two couples, this shrine has become a favored place for those seeking to find their soulmate and receive good fortune in marriage and family life.
The blessed stones of the sanctuary
If you arrive early in the morning, you might be lucky enough to leave with a very special stone. It is said that if you take a stone home from the sanctuary and cherish it, you will be blessed with a good relationship.
Thus, every day at 8:00 a.m., the first 20 visitors can receive this blessed stone, which is then wrapped in a piece of linen by a miko (shrine maiden). If you find your soulmate after receiving the stone, visit the shrine with your partner and return the stone. You will receive a lucky charm in return.
The events at the sanctuary
Between July and early September, the wind chime festival* takes place. Two thousand multicolored chimes adorn the sanctuary, producing a crystalline sound when the wind blows. The corridor decorated with chimes and prayers suspended on vertical plaques is also magnificent. Indeed, since ancient times, it has been said that the wind has the power to convey feelings. During the summer months, the chimes are illuminated at night, creating a truly magical atmosphere.
Other events:
- The 8thth day of each month, at 8:08 a.m., as well as the 4thth On Saturdays of each month, believers pray to facilitate a meeting with their loved one.
- The sanctuary's biggest festival takes place on October 14th. Reitaisai (例大祭), a festival that is part of Japan's important national intangible cultural property and is inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
- The Great Purification takes place on July 31st and December 31st.
The visit is free, so don't hesitate to take a look, whether it's to find your soulmate or simply to enjoy the scenery!
- Website: https://enmusubi-fuurin.studio.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kawagoe_hikawa/
The word fūrin (風鈴) is composed of the characters for "wind" and "bell." This wind chime is a traditional Japanese decorative object. Often hung from a window frame, it chimes in the breeze. A small piece of paper with a short poem written on it is often attached. It is truly an emblematic object of the summer season.
Continue reading!
Yabusame (流鏑馬), the ritual of archery on horseback
Kanbutsue & Hana Matsuri: Celebration of Buddha's birth & flower festival
