3 shrines and temples in Kawagoe

Kawagoe is a popular tourist destination.
As a tourist destination that is easy to stop by, it is visited by many people from home and abroad.
Although not as many as in Kyoto, there are many shrines and Buddhist temples in Kawagoe.
Here are some of the best shrines and temples in Kawagoe.

Kawagoe Kumano Shrine

Kawagoe Kumano Shrine was established in 1590 as a branch shrine of Kishu Kumano Shrine, and is said to be beneficial for good luck, matchmaking, and exorcism of bad luck.
It is one of the most popular shrines in Kawagoe, and many people visit the shrine every day.
The website of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine has a guide site for the shrine grounds, which is available in foreign languages, making it easy for foreign visitors to understand and enjoy the shrine.
https://www.kawagoekumano-jinja.com/

In Japan, there is a red seal book called “Goshuincho” in which red seals are stamped at shrines and temples when you visit them.
Goshuin is a certificate of visit to a shrine or temple, and the design of Goshuin varies from shrine to shrine and temple to temple.
Since red seals cannot be written on ordinary notebooks or paper, a special red seal book is required to have the seal stamped on it.
Red stamps are available for a fee, and you must pay to have them stamped.
Goshuin books are also sold for a fee, so if you visit many shrines and temples in Japan, why not buy one to commemorate your visit?
Please note that some small places do not sell them*.
Goshuin (red stamps) at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine are also very popular and are available only for a limited time, or in limited numbers, and are decorated with kiri-e (paper cutouts).

In addition to the deities enshrined in the main shrine, Kawagoe Kumano Shrine also enshrines a sacred bird called yatagarasu, which is used as the shrine’s crest.
Yatagarasu is a crow that appears in Japanese mythology and is said to have guided Emperor Jinmu to Kashihara in Yamato, and is believed to be the god of guidance.
Yatagarasu-sama is also said to be an incarnation of the sun, and is characterized by his three legs.
These three legs are said to represent heaven, earth, and man, respectively.
There is also a place where you can receive the grateful words of Yatagarasu-sama, the god of guidance.

There is also a place called “Benten-ike” where visitors can wash and purify their money, and there is a wheel to throw money for luck.
You can keep the money after washing and purifying it in the Treasure Pond (Benten-ike) as a good-luck charm or use it.
The shrine is close to Honkawagoe Station, so it is easy to get to.
When you arrive in Kawagoe, why not first pay a visit to Kawagoe Kumano Shrine?

Kawagoe Kumano Shrine
17-1 Renjaku-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
tel:049-225-4975
https://www.kawagoekumano.jp/

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the most popular and most famous shrine in Kawagoe.
It is said to have been founded about 1,500 years ago, during the Kofun period.
Since this shrine enshrines the deities of two married couples and their descendants, it is said to be beneficial for family happiness, marital bliss, and marriage.
The shrine is especially popular for its good fortune for marriage, and is visited by many people seeking encounters.
In addition, weddings can be held at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, so if the timing is right, you may be able to see a Japanese-style wedding ceremony.
Most people think of romance when they hear the word “enmusubi,” but the meaning of “to bring together” applies not only to love, but to all human relationships.

This shrine has an unusual omikuji in the shape of a sea bream.
There is a small fishing rod and you can catch the fish yourself.
It is very popular among children. Omikuji are written about one’s fortune. Omikuji are usually available at shrines, so why not take one as a memento of your trip?
Omikuji are charged*.

Since the shrine is famous for matchmaking, amulets that bring good luck are also popular.
There are also special amulets with limited quantities and distribution times, and people line up early in the morning to get them.
The amulets in the photo can be purchased at any time when the reception desk is open.
Omamori are also items of good luck that protect you, and their effects vary depending on their purpose.
Since omamori are unique to Japan, why not buy one as a souvenir?


Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
2-11-3 Miyashita-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
tel;049-224-0589
https://www.kawagoehikawa.jp/#/

Senba Toshogu Shrine
Senba Toshogu is located in Kawagoe Daishi Kita-in Temple.
It is a special place that can only be entered on Sundays and holidays from 9:00 to 16:00.
Otherwise, the gate is closed and you cannot enter.
If your travel schedule allows, please visit.

It is said to have been built in 1617 by priest Tenkai, who conducted a memorial service for Tokugawa Ieyasu, and is dedicated to him.
Although Nikko is the most famous Toshogu shrine in Japan, Senba Toshogu is said to be one of the three most famous Toshogu shrines in Japan, along with Nikko and Kunouzan.
It was once destroyed by fire in the Great Kawagoe Fire of 1638, but was later rebuilt.
Senba Toshogu is also a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.

cafe.andon
A cafe integrated with the shrine office is located right in front of Senba Toshogu Shrine.
A cafe integrated with the shrine office is very rare in Japan.
The café menu includes light meals such as hot sandwiches and sweets such as cakes, and the owner’s specialty coffee is very popular.
How about taking a break in the warmth of the wooden interior?


Senba Toshogu Shrine
1-20-1 Kosenba-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture Kawagoe Daishi Kita-in Temple
TEL: 049-222-0859 (Kita-in Temple Office for worship)
Inquiry hours: 9:00-16:00
https://kitain.net/history/cultural-asset/spot10/

cafe.andon
1-21-1 Kosenba-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama
Business hours: 11:00-17:00 ( L.O 16:30 )
Closed: Tuesday
https://www.instagram.com/cafe.andon/?hl=ja