By ando 
Basic Information
Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja, located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is an ancient jinja said to have been founded approximately 1500 years ago during the Kofun period (in the second year of Emperor Kinmei’s reign).
The principal kami enshrined here are five kami: Susanoo no Mikoto, his consort Kushinadahime no Mikoto, her parents, and Onamuchi no Mikoto, who is also known as the kami of matchmaking at Izumo Taisha. As these kami include two married couples and thus form a “family” of deities, Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja has long been revered as a powerful spot for “matchmaking” and “harmonious family life”.
Legends and Mysteries of Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja
The Legend of the “Shining River”
A mysterious legend surrounds the jinja’s founding. Long ago, an unknown, shining object appeared at the bottom of the Iruma River, astonishing the people. It is believed that this “divine light of Hikawa” was revered, and the kami were invited to be enshrined at the current location, marking the jinja’s beginning. Even today, during the summer “Enmusubi Furin” (Wind Chimes for Matchmaking) event, a “Shining River” display projects light onto the small stream within the grounds, fantastically recreating this ancient legend.
The “Enmusubi-dama” (Matchmaking Orb), popular to the level of an urban legend
There is an old saying that if you take pebbles from the jinja grounds and cherish them, you will be blessed with a good match. Based on this, the “Enmusubi-dama” is distributed for free, limited to 20 pieces each morning starting at 8:00 AM. These are small pebbles collected one by one by purified miko (shrine maidens) and wrapped in a hemp net. They are so popular that people line up early in the morning to get a numbered ticket. A romantic follow-up story is also part of this: if someone who obtained an Enmusubi-dama is blessed with a good match and returns to the jinja with their partner to return it, they will receive a special amulet called “Yuijimo no Moto” (Origin of the Binding Cord) in exchange.
Inu-iwa (Dog Rock), the Guardian Kami for Safe Childbirth
Within the jinja grounds, there is a rock called “Inu-iwa” that closely resembles the profile of a dog with its snout extended. Dogs are considered symbols of safe childbirth because they give birth to many puppies easily. There is a belief that stroking this rock will bless one with children and easy delivery.
Anime Pilgrimage Information
Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja, with its atmospheric scenery, has been featured as a setting in many anime works.
Tsuki ga Kirei (As the Moon, So Beautiful)
A masterpiece anime depicting the pure love of middle school students set in Kawagoe. In episode 8, there is a beautifully depicted scene where the protagonist Kotaro and heroine Akane visit during the “Enmusubi Furin” event. You can enjoy landscapes that are exactly like the scenes from the anime, such as the Ema Tunnel (votive tablet tunnel) and the wind chime corridor.
Kamisama Hajimemashita (Kamisama Kiss)
It is said to be one of the models for “Mikage Shrine,” the main setting of the work. The jinja’s atmosphere and the surrounding townscape are deeply intertwined with the anime’s worldview, making it an essential pilgrimage spot for fans.
Enjoying Your Visit: Fishing for “Tai-mikuji”
Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja is famous for its unique style of “fishing” for omikuji (fortunes). Adorable tai (sea bream) shaped omikuji, with playful names like “Ichinen Antai” (meaning “peaceful year,” a pun on “tai”) for a year of peace and “Aitai” (meaning “want to meet,” a pun on “tai”) for good relationships, are placed in special tubs, and you “fish” them out with a rod. While very popular on social media for their cuteness, these are actually offerings filled with a playful spirit typical of a jinja that cherishes local traditional culture, such as the float events of the Kawagoe Festival, which has continued since the Edo period.
With 1500 years of history, Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja constantly attracts people, whether as an anime setting or through its modern, photogenic festivals. Why not visit Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja to seek out your own mysterious connections, while also exploring “Little Edo” Kawagoe?
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