Matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine｜Let’s Head Out to Saitama’s Popular Power Spot!

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is a famous shrine known as one of the top matchmaking power spots in the Kanto region. Because the five deities enshrined here are considered a family, the shrine is also known for its “blessings for harmonious marriages and happy households.” In this article, we introduce the history of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, its amulets, its annual events, and nearby cafés.

History of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to have been founded about 1,500 years ago during the Kofun period. After Kawagoe Castle was built in 1457 during the Muromachi period, the shrine was deeply revered as the guardian deity of the castle town and the overall protector of the domain. Enshrined at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine are:

・Ashinazuchi-no-mikoto
・Tenazuchi-no-mikoto
・Susanoo-no-mikoto
・Kushinadahime-no-mikoto
・Oonamuchi-no-mikoto

with Susanoo-no-mikoto as the main enshrined deity. Because these five deities are regarded as a family, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is considered a shrine that brings blessings for “happy households.” Since Ashinazuchi-no-mikoto and Tenazuchi-no-mikoto, as well as Susanoo-no-mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-mikoto, are each a pair of deities that form a couple, the shrine is also famous for its blessings for “harmonious marriages and matchmaking.”

About the Matchmaking Amulets

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine has a legend that “if you take home a small stone from the shrine grounds and treasure it, you will be blessed with a good connection.” Based on this legend, the “Enmusubi Tama” amulet is offered, which is made from small stones picked up by purified shrine maidens. Only 20 pieces are given each day, so if you want to get one, make sure to visit early in the morning.

The Enmusubi Tama is a small amulet in which the stone is wrapped in a hemp net. When you meet someone special, you should visit Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine together while holding the amulet and then return the amulet. In exchange for the returned Enmusubi Tama, you will be given a special amulet called “Yui Himo no Moto,” imbued with the wish that “the bond between the two will last forever.”

“Yui Himo no Moto” can be used as a substitute for a wedding ring if you hold a wedding ceremony at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. If you do not have a wedding ceremony at the shrine, keep it as a “good match and harmonious marriage amulet.”

There are also other amulets, such as the “Sakura Saku Mamori,” imbued with the wish that “your important connection will blossom,” and the orthodox “Enmusubi Mamori” enclosed in an amulet bag. For those seeking new encounters, there is the “Deai Koi Mamori,” and for those who wish to be with a loved one forever, the “Yorisoi Mamori.” Various types of amulets related to “connections” are offered, so be sure to receive one when you visit.

Shuincho and Omikuji

The shuincho of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine features a simple design with “Mamori Musubi” depicted on the cover.

Mamori Musubi is a special amulet that is offered in a limited quantity of 50 pieces each month, and its design changes every month. You can choose a shuincho with a design you like or one that represents your birth month… choose according to your preference.

The omikuji at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is unique, playing on the words “aitai” (want to meet) and “ichinen antai” (peace for a year) with “tai” (sea bream). You pull an omikuji shaped like a sea bream using a fishing rod.
A white sea bream omikuji is called “Aitaimikuji” and is used to divine your prospects for meeting someone, while if you want to know your fortune for the year, pull the red sea bream “Ichinen Antai Mikuji.”

The Season and Highlights of the Matchmaking Wind Chimes

From early July to early September every year, the grounds of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine are adorned with the sounds of wind chimes. More than 2,000 wind chimes are hung throughout the shrine grounds, each imbued with the wish “may you be blessed with good connections (not limited to romance).” Pass under the wind chime corridor, enjoy a moment of coolness, and wish for good connections.

Musubi Cafe

On the first floor of the Hikawa Kaikan, located near the large torii gate, is “Musubi Cafe,” which sells cute goods and sweets. The café offers auspicious light meal menus such as “Oyui-bizome” and “Omedetai Tai Chazuke,” so it’s a great spot to stop by after visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. All of the goods sold in the store are stylish and adorable, and some images can be checked on the official homepage.

During tea time, the “cake set,” which includes that month’s cake and a beverage, is recommended. The 12-month cake is also available as a lunch cake, so be sure to give it a try.

Access and Parking Information

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is conveniently accessible by the Koedo Circular Bus from the west exit of Kawagoe Station. The nearest bus stop is “Hikawa Jinja-mae.” The shrine is located right in front of the bus stop. In addition, there are two parking lots near the shrine: Parking Lot No. 1 and Parking Lot No. 2. Since both have a limited number of spaces, please try to use public transportation as much as possible when visiting Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.

Annual Events

The main events at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine are as follows:

▼ Events held monthly
Monthly Festivals on the 1st and 15th of each month

▼ Spring Events
Kigen-sai (February 11)
Kinen-sai (February 17)
Gokoku Jinja Reitaisai (April 12)
Kakinhito no Momo-sai (April 18)
Randoseru Purification Ceremony (during spring)

▼ Summer Events
Yasaka Jinja Reitaisai (July 14–15)
Nagoshi no Ooharai (July 31)
Tanabata Festival (August 7)
Enmusubi Wind Chimes (throughout summer)

▼ Autumn Events
Hikawa Jinja Reitaisai / Kamiyuki-sai
Shichigosan Festival (around November 15)

▼ Winter Events
Niinamesai (November 23)
Tenchousai (December 23)
Okushige Nagi Shinji (late December)
Ososhi-sai Ooharai (December 31)
Toshidane-sai / Ganso-sai *New Year’s Great Fortune Prayer Festival (January 1–11)
Shinshun Ryouen Kigan-sai (January 8)
Toshidane-sai Chokai-shiki (January 11)

Recommended Lunch Spots in the Area

If you’re looking to have lunch around Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, “Musubi Cafe” is a must. It is located just beyond the large torii gate, making access very convenient. Since the seasonal lunch is completely by reservation only, please check the service dates on the official Musubi Cafe homepage and make a reservation by phone.

In addition, although it is a bit farther away, “Hatsuneya Garden,” where you can enjoy stylish French cuisine while gazing at a Japanese garden, is also recommended. “Modern-tei Taiyoken,” located about a 10-minute walk from Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, is a registered tangible cultural property. This Western-style building, which has been used as a filming location for movies and dramas, offers a nostalgic Western food set or a Western-style kaiseki course that lets you feel the history.

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Matchmaking at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine｜Let’s Head Out to Saitama’s Popular Power Spot!