Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

The 15m-high Myojin-shaped Otorii towering over the eastern approach is one of the largest wooden torii gates in Japan.The company name written on the flat frame in the center of the torii is written by Katsu Kaishu.The precincts are overgrown with trees such as the zelkova god tree, which is over 500 years old, and the sound of the wind swaying the leaves is pleasant.

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine has a very long history, and it is said that it was built in the 6th century, when the Kofun culture was introduced, in the reign of Emperor Kinmei.Since Ota Dokan built Kawagoe Castle in the Muromachi period, it has been revered as the guardian deity of the castle and the general company of the area, and has been known as "Ohikawa-sama".During the Edo period, it was revered by successive castle owners as the general guardian of the domain.The current main shrine, which has been delicately carved in Edo, was donated by Matsudaira Naritsune, the lord of the castle, and his local sons in 13.It is also worshiped as a "god of marriage" because it enshrines the gods of the couple and their families, and on sunny days you can see the bride in pure white.

The "Kawagoe Festival" held in mid-October is a festival attached to the Hikawa Shrine annual festival.Various Shinto rituals are held throughout the year, such as the Tanabata Festival and "Enmusubi Wind Chime" in the summer, and the "School Bag Purification Ceremony" to pray for the traffic safety and academic achievement of children who go to elementary school in the spring.The lush green precincts are popular not only for worshipers but also as a place of relaxation for the citizens who enjoy the colors of the four seasons.