Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine 氷川神社
Outdoor | Avg price: ¥2 | English Available: None (Unknown)
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Tree lined approach to stunning shrine
The mother of all Hikawa Shrines in the 'Musashi Province' of Japan which is present day Tokyo Metropolis, Saitama Prefecture and parts of Kanagawa Prefecture. There is an undeniable atmosphere at this shrine and it is recognized as what is called a 'power' (or spiritual) spot. The approach to the shrine is one of the longest in Saitama at around two kilometers. There are 650 trees along the walkway. The precincts have some notable features such as red moon bridges, hanachozu, water features and some stunning architecture to boot. Each year you can see moonlit Noh theater at the shrine in the middle of May. The shrine has no entrance fee, but there is a charge for Noh theater which costs around 3000 yen. The shrine is most busy at New Year for 'Hatsumode'.
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on Jun 11
Atmospheric urban shrine
This shrine, which lent its name to the city of Omiya, has a history that spans over two millennia, but the shrine halls only date from the middle of the last century. The deity enshrined is Susanoo-no-mikoto, the brother of Amaterasu-omikami. One of the many things he presides over are storms. To appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the shrine, you have to walk out the the old sando not far from Omiya Station and walk along the avenue of towering trees and a series of gates. The shrine buildings may be recent construction, but the place exudes timelessness. Some views over the ponds with thickets in the background erase the city for a moment. I had the luck last time I was at Hikawa shrine to experience a summer thunder storm which hovered over the city. Hanami and koyo in the surrounding park, with the gorgeous shrine architecture and idyllic landscape are well worth a visit.
BigfamJapan
on May 14