Hikawa Shrine (27-7 Arakishinbo-cho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture) Complete Guide | History, Deities, and Access Information
Hikawa Shrine, located in Arakishinbo-cho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, is one of approximately 280 Hikawa Shrines nationwide and is a shrine that attracts the faith of the local community. This article provides a detailed introduction to Hikawa Shrine in Arakishinbo-cho, Fukui City, covering everything from basic information to history and surrounding environment.
Basic Information about Hikawa Shrine
Location and Access Information
Official Address
27-7 Arakishinbo-cho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture
Postal Code
〒910-2172
Corporate Number
1210005001987
This Hikawa Shrine, located in Arakishinbo-cho, Fukui City, is situated in an area northeast of the center of Fukui City. The surrounding area is a mix of residential and rural areas, and it is a beloved place of worship for local residents.
About Hikawa Shrine
The name Hikawa Shrine is used for over 226 shrines throughout Japan. Its head shrine is Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine, located in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, and is known as a Shikinaisha (Myojin Taisha) and the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Musashi Province. While many are distributed throughout the Kanto region, mainly in Tokyo and Saitama prefectures, Hikawa Shrines also exist in the Hokuriku region, such as in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture.
Deities Enshrined at Hikawa Shrine
Most shrines bearing the name Hikawa Shrine enshrine the following three deities:
Main Deities
- Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto
- Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto (Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto)
Susanoo-no-Mikoto is known in Japanese mythology as the heroic god who slayed the Yamata no Orochi (eight-headed serpent), and is believed to have the divine power to ward off evil and disaster. Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto is the consort of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, and is believed to bring blessings for marital harmony and matchmaking. Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto is a god of nation-building, also known as the enshrined deity of Izumo Taisha Shrine, and is believed to have the divine power to bring prosperity in business and abundant harvests.
It is highly likely that these deities are also enshrined at Hikawa Shrine in Araki Shinbo-cho, Fukui City, but for details, it is recommended to check directly with the shrine or the local shrine association.
History and Origins of Hikawa Shrine
Spread of Hikawa Faith
The spread of Hikawa Shrines throughout Japan is rooted in the invocation (divided spirit) of the deity from Omiya Hikawa Shrine, the Ichinomiya (first-ranked shrine) of Musashi Province. In particular, the Hikawa faith spread throughout the Kanto region alongside the development of Musashi Province, leading to the establishment of Hikawa Shrines in various locations.
The existence of a Hikawa Shrine in Fukui Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region, is an interesting example of the spread of Hikawa faith outside the Kanto region. The following possibilities can be considered for this:
- Invocation by migrants from Musashi Province
It is possible that the Hikawa faith was transmitted from the Kanto region to the Hokuriku region through migration and commercial activities from the Edo period to the Meiji era.
- Spread by Shinto priests and Shugendo practitioners
It is also possible that the Hikawa faith was spread to various regions by Shinto priests and Shugendo practitioners traveling throughout the country.
- Syncretism with Local Beliefs
It’s possible that the deities of Hikawa Shrine were later enshrined together with those of existing local shrines.
Shrine Beliefs in Fukui Prefecture
Fukui Prefecture has approximately 9,881 religious facilities, and shrines occupy an important position among them. Shrine beliefs in Fukui Prefecture have a long history dating back to the time of the old provincial names of Echizen and Wakasa, and shrines revered as local guardian deities and tutelary deities are scattered throughout each region.
Information on Surrounding Shrines
Several shrines are located around Hikawa Shrine in Arakishinbo-cho, Fukui City. The following are known as major shrines in Fukui Prefecture:
Major Shrines in Fukui City
Fukui Shrine
A shrine located in the center of Fukui City, known for its connection to the Matsudaira family, the lords of the Fukui domain.
Kitano Shrine
This shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, is a Tenjin shrine located in multiple locations within Fukui City.
Atago Shrine
This shrine, dedicated to Atago Gongen, the god of fire prevention, is also found in multiple locations within Fukui Prefecture.
Each of these shrines has a different enshrined deity and divine virtue, and attracts local devotion. Visiting them together with Hikawa Shrine allows you to experience Fukui’s shrine culture more deeply.
How to Visit Hikawa Shrine
Access
Access by Car
From central Fukui City, take national or prefectural roads towards Araki Shinbo-cho. You can search for directions to your destination by entering the address “27-7 Araki Shinbo-cho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture” or the phone number into your car navigation system.
Access by Public Transportation
You can walk or take a taxi from the nearest bus stop or train station. For detailed public transportation information, we recommend checking the Fukui City community bus and route bus timetables.
Etiquette for Visiting a Shrine
The basic etiquette for visiting a shrine is as follows:
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
As a sign of respect before entering the sacred area, bow before the torii gate.
- Purify yourself at the water basin
If there is a water basin, purify your left hand, then your right hand, and then your mouth.
- Walk along the edge of the path
The center of the path is considered the path of the gods, so it is polite to walk along the edge.
- Two bows, two claps, one bow
In front of the main hall, bow twice, clap twice, and finally bow once.
- Bow when leaving the torii gate
When leaving the sacred area, it is polite to turn around and bow.
Annual Events at Hikawa Shrine
Generally, various festivals and ceremonies are held throughout the year at Hikawa Shrine. The following annual events are likely to be held at Hikawa Shrine as well.
Main Annual Events (General Examples)
New Year’s Day Festival (January 1st)
A festival to celebrate the New Year and pray for peace throughout the year.
Setsubun Festival (Around February 3rd)
A festival involving bean-throwing and other rituals to ward off evil and pray for good fortune.
Spring Grand Festival (Spring)
An important festival praying for a bountiful harvest and the prosperity of the region.
Summer Purification Ceremony (June 30th)
A Shinto ritual to purify and cleanse away the sins and impurities accumulated over the past six months.
Autumn Grand Festival (Autumn)
A festival expressing gratitude for the harvest and praying for a bountiful harvest in the coming year.
Year-End Great Purification Ceremony (December 31st)
This is a Shinto ritual to cleanse away the sins and impurities of the past year and welcome the new year with purity.
For specific dates and details of the ceremony, we recommend contacting the shrine directly or checking local bulletin boards.
Divine Virtues and Blessings of Hikawa Shrine
The deities enshrined at Hikawa Shrine—Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto—are believed to possess the following divine virtues:
Divine Virtues of Susanoo-no-Mikoto
- Protection from Evil and Disaster: Based on the myth of slaying the Yamata no Orochi (eight-headed serpent), he is believed to have the power to ward off disasters.
- Healing from Illness: He is believed to have the power to drive away plague gods.
- Good Fortune in Competitions: He is believed to bestow the strength to overcome difficulties.
Divine Virtues of Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto
- Matchmaking: As the consort of Susanoo-no-Mikoto, she is believed to grant blessings for good relationships.
- Marital Harmony: She is believed to grant blessings for a harmonious family and a happy marriage.
- Safe Childbirth: As the guardian deity of women, she is believed to grant blessings for safe childbirth.
Divine Virtues of Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto
- Business Prosperity: As the god of nation-building, he is believed to grant blessings for business prosperity.
- Abundant Harvest: As the guardian deity of agriculture, he is believed to grant blessings for a bountiful harvest.
- Matchmaking: As the enshrined deity of Izumo Taisha Shrine, it is also known for its blessings in matchmaking.
Due to these divine virtues, Hikawa Shrine has become a place that receives various wishes from local residents.
Role of Hikawa Shrine in the Community
Function as a Local Guardian Deity
Hikawa Shrine in the Araki Shinbo-cho area is thought to play the following roles as the local guardian deity and tutelary deity:
Center of the Community
It serves as a place for interaction among local residents through festivals and cleaning activities.
Inheritance of Traditional Culture
It plays a role in passing on the region’s traditional culture to the next generation through annual events and festivals.
Spiritual Support
It provides spiritual support to local residents at important life events (such as the first shrine visit for a newborn, Shichi-Go-San, and exorcism).
Relationship with Fukui Prefecture’s Shrine Culture
Fukui Prefecture has a historical regional division into Echizen Province and Wakasa Province, and each has developed its own unique shrine culture. Hikawa Shrine, while rooted in the Hikawa faith of the Kanto region, has likely blended with the local culture and environment of Fukui Prefecture in the Hokuriku region, forming a unique form of worship specific to the area.
Points to Note When Visiting Hikawa Shrine
Shrine Visiting Manners
When visiting a shrine, it is important to observe the following manners:
Regarding Attire No special attire is required, but it is desirable to wear clean and understated clothing, as it is a sacred place.
Regarding Photography Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds, but please refrain from taking photos inside the main hall or during religious ceremonies. Also, please be considerate of other visitors.
Regarding Bringing Pets Whether or not pets are allowed varies from shrine to shrine. Please check in advance or follow the notices posted on the grounds.
Regarding Noise To maintain a peaceful atmosphere, please refrain from loud conversations and noise.
Using the Shrine Office
If you wish to receive a Goshuin (shrine stamp) or amulet, we recommend checking the shrine office’s opening hours in advance. Please note that smaller shrines may not have a resident priest.
Visiting Shrines in Fukui Prefecture
When visiting Hikawa Shrine in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, visiting surrounding shrines will allow you to experience Fukui’s shrine culture more deeply.
Example of a Shrine Pilgrimage Route in Fukui City
- Hikawa Shrine (Araki Shinbo-cho) – The shrine introduced in this article
- Fukui Shrine – A shrine associated with the Matsudaira family, the lords of the Fukui domain
- Kitano Shrine – A Tenjin shrine dedicated to the god of learning
- Atago Shrine – A shrine dedicated to the god of fire prevention
Visiting these shrines will allow you to gain a deeper understanding of Fukui City’s history and culture.
Tourist Information Around Hikawa Shrine
Highlights of Fukui City
Besides Hikawa Shrine, Fukui City has many other tourist attractions.
Fukui Castle Ruins
The site of the Fukui Domain’s castle, now the prefectural capital. Stone walls and moats remain, allowing visitors to experience history.
Yokokan Garden
A daimyo garden designated as a national scenic spot, offering beautiful scenery throughout the seasons.
Ichijodani Asakura Clan Ruins
The ruins of a castle town from the Sengoku period, designated as a national special historic site.
Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum
One of the world’s three major dinosaur museums, and a tourist attraction that Fukui Prefecture is proud of.
Fukui’s Cuisine
Fukui Prefecture is blessed with abundant nature and a wealth of delicious ingredients.
Echizen Oroshi Soba
A representative local dish of Fukui Prefecture, soba noodles topped with plenty of grated daikon radish.
Sauce Katsu Don
A soul food of Fukui Prefecture, this is a katsu don (pork cutlet rice bowl) topped with a sweet and savory sauce.
Echizen Crab
The king of winter delicacies, and a representative seafood of Fukui Prefecture.
Habutae Mochi
A famous confectionary of Fukui Prefecture, characterized by its silky smooth texture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hikawa Shrine
Can I get a Goshuin (shrine stamp) at Hikawa Shrine?
For small shrines, there may not be a resident priest. It is recommended to check with the shrine or the Fukui Prefectural Shrine Association in advance regarding the issuance of Goshuin.
Does Hikawa Shrine have parking?
Parking availability varies depending on the size and location of the shrine. Please check before visiting or consider using nearby public parking.
Can I have a wedding ceremony at Hikawa Shrine?
Please contact the shrine directly regarding the possibility of holding a Shinto wedding ceremony. For small shrines, it may not be possible due to facility limitations.
When is the Hikawa Shrine’s annual festival?
The date of the annual festival varies depending on the shrine. Please check with the shrine or local bulletin board for details.
Connections with Hikawa Shrines Nationwide
Hikawa Shrine in Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, is one of over 226 Hikawa Shrines nationwide. With Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture) as the head shrine, the various Hikawa Shrines throughout the country maintain a loose network.
Major Hikawa Shrines
Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine (Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture)
The head shrine of all Hikawa Shrines nationwide, a highly prestigious shrine designated as a Shikinaisha (Myojin Taisha), Musashi Province’s Ichinomiya, and an Imperial Festival Shrine.
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture)
Known as a deity of matchmaking, its main hall is scheduled to be designated a National Important Cultural Property in 2026.
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine (Minato-ku, Tokyo)
This is one of the Hikawa Shrines in Tokyo, a historic shrine located in the heart of the city.
These Hikawa Shrines, along with the Hikawa Shrine in Fukui City, enshrine the same deity and share a common foundation: Hikawa faith.
Shrine Visits in the Digital Age
In modern times, visiting shrines using smartphones and the internet has become commonplace.
Online Information Gathering
Basic information about shrines can be found using the following methods:
Shrine Association Website
Each prefectural shrine association provides information on the shrines under its jurisdiction.
Religious Information Database
The Religious Information Research Center of the International Institute for Religious Studies provides information on religious facilities nationwide.
Map Applications
You can check the location of shrines and surrounding information using map applications such as Google Maps.
Utilizing QR Codes
Some shrines have installed QR codes on their grounds, allowing access to detailed information via smartphones. This use of digital technology allows for a deeper understanding of shrines.
Summary
Hikawa Shrine, located at 27-7 Araki Shinbo-cho, Fukui City, Fukui Prefecture, is a shrine that attracts local devotion as part of the nationwide Hikawa Shrine network. It enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, and Ōkuninushi-no-Mikoto, and is believed to offer divine blessings for protection against misfortune, matchmaking, and business prosperity.
The presence of Hikawa Shrines in Fukui Prefecture, in the Hokuriku region, while Hikawa Shrines are primarily distributed in the Kanto region, is an interesting example demonstrating the spread of Shinto shrine worship in Japan. Why not visit Hikawa Shrine, which continues to be an integral part of the lives of the local residents as their guardian deity and tutelary deity?
When visiting, observing basic manners and offering quiet, heartfelt prayers will allow you to feel a connection with the deities. Furthermore, visiting nearby shrines and tourist spots in conjunction with Hikawa Shrine will allow you to experience Fukui Prefecture’s rich culture and history more deeply.
We hope that your visit to Hikawa Shrine will bring you peace of mind and vitality to your daily life.
