Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine

Located in Ōmiya Ward of Saitama City, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is one of the most historically significant and revered Shinto shrines in the Kanto region. Believed to have been founded over 2,400 years ago, it is said to be the origin of the name “Ōmiya,” which literally means “great shrine.”

Once the chief shrine (Ichinomiya) of the former Musashi Province—which included areas of present-day Saitama, Tokyo, and parts of Kanagawa—Hikawa Shrine continues to serve as a spiritual and cultural cornerstone of the region. Its spacious grounds and beautifully maintained approach provide a peaceful atmosphere that welcomes visitors year-round.

A Majestic Approach Framed by Nature’s Changing Seasons

One of the shrine’s most distinctive features is its long approach path, stretching approximately 2 kilometers from near Saitama-Shintoshin Station. Lined with towering trees such as zelkova, this path transforms with each season—fresh greenery in spring, cool shade in summer, vivid foliage in autumn, and crisp stillness in winter.

As you walk along this serene avenue, the noise of the city gradually fades, replaced by a quiet sense of reverence. Within the shrine grounds, vibrant vermilion gates, a solemn main hall, and a tranquil pond blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings. The rustling of leaves, the gentle sound of water, and the occasional call of birds create the feeling of a different world, right in the middle of the city.

Hikawa Shrine enshrines three important deities:
Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inadahime-no-Mikoto, and Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto (also known as Ōkuninushi).
Susanoo and Inadahime, a divine couple in Shinto mythology, are associated with love and harmonious relationships. Ōnamuchi is worshipped as a god of prosperity in business, good health, and protection from misfortune.

Because of these associations, the shrine attracts a wide range of visitors—from couples seeking romantic blessings, to families praying for happiness, to individuals looking for guidance in personal or professional matters.

Passing through the torii gates and walking the grounds often brings clarity and inner peace. Whether you're there to pray, reflect, or simply take in the atmosphere, a visit to Hikawa Shrine offers a meaningful and memorable experience.

 

A Sacred Space Woven Into Daily Life and Tradition

Throughout the year, Hikawa Shrine hosts a variety of seasonal festivals and ceremonies.
It’s also a cherished venue for life events such as New Year’s visits, weddings, and celebrations for children, making it a place where tradition and daily life naturally intertwine.

The shrine’s setting changes with the seasons—cherry blossoms in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, and colorful foliage in autumn—offering new beauty every time you visit.
And with its convenient location just a short walk from Omiya Station, it’s easy to add this spiritual retreat to your journey through Saitama or greater Tokyo.

In a place where history, nature, and devotion come together, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine offers a rare moment of quiet strength.
Whether you seek reflection, blessings, or a simple walk among the trees, this timeless sanctuary invites you to return again and again.