Hikawa Shrine Complete Guide: History, Deities, Major Shrines Nationwide, and Etiquette for Worship
What is Hikawa Shrine?
Hikawa Shrine is a venerable shrine located in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, known as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Musashi Province. It is said to have a history of over 2400 years, and there are approximately 280 Hikawa Shrines mainly in Tokyo and Saitama Prefectures. As the head shrine, it has attracted the faith of people throughout the Kanto region.
The place name “Omiya” originates from the “Great Palace” of this Hikawa Shrine, and is deeply connected to the history of the region. Currently, it is one of the representative shrines in the Kanto region, attracting many worshippers for New Year’s visits, Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children), and matchmaking.
Origin of the Name of Hikawa Shrine
There are several theories about the origin of the name of Hikawa Shrine, but the most likely theory is that it originates from the Hikawa River in Izumo Province (present-day Shimane Prefecture), or the Hiikawa River. The name “Hikawa” (光川) is said to have been derived from the myth that the upper reaches of the Hikawa River were the site where Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the enshrined deity, defeated the Yamata no Orochi (eight-headed serpent).
Deities and Meaning of the Gods at Hikawa Shrine
Main Deity: Susanoo-no-Mikoto
The main deity of Hikawa Shrine is Susanoo-no-Mikoto. In Japanese mythology, he is known as the younger brother of Amaterasu-Omikami and is revered as a heroic god who defeated the Yamata no Orochi. Due to his fierce nature, he is believed to possess the power to ward off disasters and is worshipped as a god of protection against misfortune and calamity.
Enshrined Deities: Inadahime-no-Mikoto and Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto
Many Hikawa Shrines enshrine two deities alongside Susanoo-no-Mikoto: Inadahime-no-Mikoto and Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto.
Inadahime-no-Mikoto is the wife of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and a goddess who was saved by him from being sacrificed to the Yamata no Orochi (eight-headed serpent). She is considered a symbol of marital harmony and is believed to bestow blessings of matchmaking and marital bliss.
Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto is another name for Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto and is known as the god of nation-building. He is considered a descendant (or son-in-law) of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and is revered as the god of business prosperity and abundant harvests.
With these three deities enshrined together, Hikawa Shrine has been revered as a shrine that bestows blessings on all aspects of people’s lives, including family safety, matchmaking, and protection from evil.
History of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (Head Shrine)
Founding and Ancient History
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is the head shrine of Hikawa Shrines, located in Takanohana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture. According to shrine tradition, it was founded approximately 2400 years ago during the reign of Emperor Kōshō, the 5th emperor, when the Izumo clan migrated to Musashi Province.
The “Engishiki Jinmyōchō” (a list of shrines compiled in the Heian period) lists it as “Musashi Province, Adachi District, Hikawa Shrine, Myōjin Taisha” (a major shrine), indicating that it was already highly regarded by the imperial court as a Myōjin Taisha during the Heian period. As the Ichinomiya of Musashi Province, it has been considered one of the most prestigious shrines in the Kanto region.
Development in the Medieval and Early Modern Periods
From the Kamakura period onward, during the era of samurai rule, it began to attract the reverence of samurai warriors. Warlords who ruled the Kanto region, such as Minamoto no Yoritomo, the Ashikaga clan, and the Hojo clan, were devout followers of Hikawa Shrine, constructing shrine buildings and donating land.
During the Edo period, it received the patronage of the Tokugawa family, and the shrine buildings were constructed by the third shogun, Tokugawa Iemitsu. During this time, it was considered important as the guardian shrine of Musashi Province and as a shrine protecting the northern part of Edo.
Modern Era
Under the Meiji era’s shrine ranking system, it was ranked as a Kanpei Taisha (Grand Imperial Shrine), receiving special reverence from the state. Furthermore, as one of the shrines worshipped from afar during the Shihohai (four-direction worship) ceremony at the Imperial Palace, it is designated as an Chokusaisha (Imperial Shrine), indicating a deep connection with the Imperial family.
Currently, as a Beppyo Jinja (Special Shrine) of the Association of Shinto Shrines, it attracts the faith of many people as one of the leading shrines in the Kanto region, with over 2 million visitors during the New Year’s pilgrimage.
Major Hikawa Shrines Nationwide
There are approximately 280 Hikawa Shrines, mainly in Tokyo and Saitama prefectures. Each shrine has served as a local guardian deity, closely intertwined with the lives of the people in their respective regions. Here are some representative Hikawa Shrines.
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine (Minato Ward, Tokyo)
Located in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo, Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is a valuable shrine whose buildings were built during the Edo period and still remain today. Known for its divine blessings in matchmaking, its special prayer service, “Enmusubi Mairi” (matchmaking pilgrimage), is very popular. Despite being in the heart of the city, the lush green grounds provide a peaceful space for worship, making it a beloved spot for many visitors.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture)
Located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is particularly famous as a deity of matchmaking. Its summer event, “Enmusubi Furin” (matchmaking wind chimes), is nationally known, with colorful Edo-style wind chimes adorning the shrine grounds. Furthermore, the “Enmusubi Tama” (matchmaking balls) distributed every morning are popular items, with people lining up early in the morning to receive them in search of good fortune in love.
Shinmei Hikawa Shrine (Nakano Ward, Tokyo)
Located in Yayoi-cho, Nakano Ward, Tokyo, Shinmei Hikawa Shrine is a beloved local guardian shrine. It enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto as its main deity, and many worshippers visit to pray for protection from evil and for family safety. As a shrine deeply rooted in the community, it continues to uphold traditions together with its parishioners.
Motogo Hikawa Shrine (Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture)
Located in Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, Motogo Hikawa Shrine was founded in the late Muromachi period when the warrior Hirayanagi Kurōdo invited the deity from Musashi Province’s Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine. It has a history of being built to pray for the peace and security of the region ruled by the Hirayanagi clan, and is still revered today as the guardian shrine of the area.
Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine (Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture)
Located in Hatogaya, Kawaguchi City, Saitama Prefecture, Hikawa Shrine is the guardian shrine of Hatogaya and attracts the faith of the local people. The shrine also holds new rituals adapted to modern life, such as a schoolbag purification ceremony, and is cherished as a shrine where people pray for the growth and safety of children.
Shinjuku Shimo-Ochiai Hikawa Shrine (Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo)
Located in Shimo-Ochiai, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, Hikawa Shrine maintains a tranquil atmosphere despite being in the heart of the city. During Shichi-Go-San (7-5-3) celebrations, they offer services such as rental costumes, dressing, and photography on-site, demonstrating their consideration for the convenience of visitors.
Nerima Ward Hikawadai Hikawa Shrine (Nerima Ward, Tokyo)
Located in Hikawadai, Nerima Ward, Tokyo, Hikawa Shrine serves as the local guardian shrine, performing various prayers for first shrine visits, Shichi-Go-San, and other important life events. It is revered as a shrine that accompanies the daily lives of local residents and performs important ceremonies at milestones in their lives.
Benefits and Prayers at Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrine is believed to offer various benefits through the divine virtues of its enshrined deities. Many people visit to pray for divine protection in various aspects of their lives.
Matchmaking and Marital Harmony
Because it enshrines the divine couple Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inada-hime-no-Mikoto, it is famous for its divine blessings of matchmaking and marital harmony. Many people pray for good relationships and those who wish to deepen their marital bond. Many Hikawa Shrines, including Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, offer prayers and amulets specifically for matchmaking.
Protection from Misfortune and Disaster
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is a brave god who defeated the Yamata no Orochi (eight-headed serpent), and is therefore believed to possess strong power to ward off misfortune and disaster. People in their unlucky years or those facing turning points in their lives visit to ward off evil and purify themselves.
Family Safety and Prosperity of Descendants
Many people pray for family safety, wishing for the health and safety of their family and the prosperity of their descendants. These are the divine virtues unique to Hikawa Shrine, which has protected the homes of the community as the local guardian deity.
Prayers for Safe Childbirth and Conception
Prayers for safe childbirth and conception are important rituals at Hikawa Shrine. Many pregnant women visit on the Day of the Dog to pray for a safe delivery. Many couples also visit, hoping to be blessed with children.
First Shrine Visit and Shichi-Go-San Ceremony
The first shrine visit, where people thank the gods for and report the birth of a child, and the Shichi-Go-San ceremony, where people celebrate a child’s growth and pray for their continued healthy development, are important annual events at Hikawa Shrine. The tradition of children of the local parishioners visiting for generations continues.
Business Prosperity and Success
Due to the divine virtues of Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, many visitors pray for business prosperity and success. Business owners and those starting new ventures or hoping for business development visit the shrine.
How to Worship and Etiquette at Hikawa Shrine
There are specific manners to observe when visiting a shrine to show respect to the deities. Knowing the correct way to worship will allow for a more heartfelt visit.
How to Pass Through the Torii Gate
The torii gate, the entrance to the shrine, is the boundary separating the secular world from the sacred realm. Before passing through the torii gate, bow to show respect for entering the sacred area. It is considered proper etiquette to avoid walking in the center of the path (as the center is considered the path of the gods).
How to Purify Yourself at the Water Basin
Before worshipping, purify your mind and body at the water basin.
- Take the ladle with your right hand and purify your left hand.
- Switch the ladle to your left hand and purify your right hand.
- Switch the ladle back to your right hand, receive water in your left hand, and rinse your mouth.
- Purify your left hand once more.
- Hold the ladle upright, pour water over the handle, and return it to its original place.
Proper Worship at the Main Hall
- Stand in front of the offering box and bow slightly.
- Gently place your offering in the box.
- If there is a bell, ring it.
- Perform two bows, two claps, and one bow (two deep bows, two claps, one deep bow).
- Bow once more when leaving the main hall.
Receiving a Prayer
To receive a formal prayer, register at the shrine office. Pay the prayer fee (first offering) and fill out your address, name, and wishes. Some shrines have set prayer times, so it is recommended to check in advance.
Annual Events and Festivals at Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year. These festivals have long been closely intertwined with the lives of the local people.
New Year’s Visit (January 1st-3rd)
Hatsumode, the first shrine visit of the year to pray for safety and peace throughout the year, is one of the most important events at Hikawa Shrine. More than 2 million people visit Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine every year, and Hikawa Shrines throughout the region are also bustling with many worshippers.
Setsubun Festival (Around February 3rd)
At the Setsubun Festival, held the day before the beginning of spring, evil spirits are driven away by bean-throwing, and prayers are offered for good health and protection from illness throughout the year. With the chant of “Demons out, fortune in!”, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the god of protection against evil, is asked to ward off misfortune.
Annual Grand Festival (Varies by Shrine)
The annual grand festival is the most important festival for a shrine, a festival to express gratitude to the enshrined deity. Many Hikawa shrines hold it around September, featuring a procession of portable shrines and offering ceremonies. Local parishioners and worshippers cooperate to enliven the festival, providing an opportunity to deepen community bonds.
Shichi-Go-San Pilgrimage (Around November 15th)
Shichi-Go-San Pilgrimage, celebrating children’s growth and praying for their continued healthy development, is an important autumn event. Children visit shrines at the milestones of 3, 5, and 7 years old to offer gratitude and prayers to the gods.
Great Purification Ceremony (June 30th and December 31st)
The Great Purification Ceremony, which cleanses away the sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months, is held twice a year. The Great Purification Ceremony on December 31st is particularly important for welcoming the new year with a pure mind and body.
The Relationship Between Hikawa Shrine and the Local Community
Hikawa Shrine has played a vital role not only as a place of worship but also as a central hub of the local community.
Role as a Local Guardian Deity
Many Hikawa Shrines are revered as the local guardian deity of their respective regions. A local guardian deity is a god who protects the people (parishioners) living in that land. The parishioners have deepened the bond between the shrine and the community by cooperating in the maintenance and management of the shrine and supporting its rituals.
Inheritance of Local History and Culture
Shrines hold the history of their respective regions. From their founding by samurai warriors to traditional events dating back to the Edo period and local beliefs, Hikawa Shrines play a role in passing on local culture to future generations.
Social Contribution in the Modern Era
Modern Hikawa Shrines, while preserving tradition, also engage in activities adapted to the times. They implement initiatives that meet the needs of modern society, such as schoolbag purification ceremonies to pray for the healthy growth of children, traffic safety prayers to pray for the safety of the community, and environmental conservation activities.
Hikawa Shrine’s Offerings and Amulets
Hikawa Shrine offers a variety of offerings and amulets. These are meant to bring the blessings of the gods into your daily life.
Divine Talismans (Ofuda)
Divine talismans, placed on the household altar, contain a portion of the god’s spirit. By enshrining a Hikawa Shrine talisman at home, you can pray for the safety and prosperity of your family.
Various Amulets
There are amulets for various wishes, such as amulets for matchmaking, protection from evil, traffic safety, and academic success. Some shrines offer unique offerings, such as the “Matchmaking Ball” at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
Goshuin (Shrine Seals)
You can receive a Goshuin as a memento of your visit. Goshuin are not merely commemorative stamps, but are cherished as proof of your connection with the shrine.
Access and Visiting Information for Hikawa Shrine
Access methods and visiting hours vary for each Hikawa Shrine. Here is some basic information about major Hikawa Shrines.
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine
Location: 1-407 Takanohana-cho, Omiya-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
Access: Approximately 15 minutes on foot from the east exit of JR Omiya Station, or by Tobu Bus
Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from 9:00 to 16:00)
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Location: 2-11-3 Miyashita-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Access: Approximately 25 minutes on foot from Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line, or by bus
Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office is open from 9:00 to 17:00)
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
Location: 6-10-12 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
Access: Approximately 8 minutes on foot from Akasaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
Visiting Hours: Grounds are freely accessible (Shrine office hours: approximately 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
For detailed information and festival schedules for each shrine, we recommend checking their respective official websites.
Summary: The Charm and Modern Significance of Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrine boasts a history of over 2400 years and has been revered by people throughout the Kanto region as the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Musashi Province. With approximately 280 Hikawa Shrines, each serves as a local guardian deity, closely intertwined with people’s lives and playing a central role in their communities.
The divine virtues of the three deities—Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inada-hime-no-Mikoto, and Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto—are believed to provide blessings for all aspects of life, including matchmaking, protection from evil, and family safety, which is why Hikawa Shrine is so beloved by many.
Even today, the tradition of visiting Hikawa Shrine at life’s milestones, such as New Year’s visits, Shichi-Go-San (a traditional rite of passage for children), and weddings, continues. At the same time, new initiatives are being undertaken to adapt to the times, maintaining a balance between tradition and innovation, and continuing to walk alongside the people of the region. Visiting Hikawa Shrine is not only an opportunity to pray to the gods, but also a valuable chance to reflect on yourself and experience the history and culture of the region. Please visit a Hikawa Shrine near you and experience its charm for yourself.
