Popular Sightseeing Tours in 氷川神社

A day trip to Kawagoe offers a rich and diverse itinerary. It's recommended to start at Hikawa Shrine to experience its unique atmosphere for matchmaking. Afterwards, head to the 'Kurazukuri Street' (Old Warehouse District), which is full of Edo-period charm, admire the 'Toki no Kane' (Bell of Time) clock tower, and sample local snacks. You can also consider renting a kimono in the old town for a fun, time-traveling experience. Finally, visit 'Kita-in Temple' to soak in its historical and cultural depth, making your trip even more complete.

For a simple visit to Hikawa Shrine, including praying, drawing an omikuji (fortune slip), or purchasing an omamori (amulet), it's usually recommended to allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours. If you wish to delve deeper into the shrine's culture, such as participating in seasonal events (like the Summer Wind Chime Festival) or closely admiring the shrine's architecture and surrounding landscape, you can extend it to 2 hours. It's advisable to allow ample time for a more leisurely experience of the shrine's serene atmosphere and matchmaking appeal.

Hikawa Shrine is renowned for its powerful 'en-musubi' (matchmaking) energy, earning it the title of a sacred place for finding good relationships in the Kanto region. The shrine features unique 'en-musubi' charms, distributed in limited quantities daily, which are said to bring good luck. Additionally, there's the 'Aitai Mikuji' (Sea Bream Fortune), where you 'fish' for your fortune slip, adding an element of fun and engagement. These distinct ways of praying and the romantic ambiance make it a top choice for many seeking love.

Both the summer wind chime festival (typically from July to September) and the autumn foliage (around mid-to-late November) at Hikawa Shrine have their unique charms. During the wind chime festival, the shrine is adorned with colorful wind chimes that create a dreamy and poetic summer scene as they sway and chime with the breeze, perfect for those who love a romantic atmosphere. In autumn, you can admire the vibrant red and yellow leaves of maple trees beautifully interwoven with the shrine and its surroundings, showcasing a calm and refined Japanese autumn landscape. The choice depends on your personal preference, as both offer different experiences.

To get to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine from central Tokyo, you can primarily take trains. The most common method is to take the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro Station to Kawagoe Station, which takes about 30-40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the Seibu Shinjuku Line from Shinjuku Station to Hon-Kawagoe Station, taking approximately 45-60 minutes. After arriving at Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station, you can transfer to a local bus or walk to Hikawa Shrine. The bus ride takes about 10-15 minutes, while walking takes around 20-30 minutes.

For a day trip around Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, it's recommended to start from Hon-Kawagoe Station or Kawagoe Station and take a bus directly to Hikawa Shrine for worship. Afterwards, walk to 'Kurazukuri Street' to experience the Edo period atmosphere, visit the 'Toki no Kane' and 'Kashiya Yokocho' (Candy Alley). Have lunch at the old town, and in the afternoon, consider renting a kimono to stroll through the old streets and take beautiful photos. Finally, visit historical sites like 'Kita-in Temple' or 'Kawagoe Castle Honmaru Goten' for a richer cultural experience.

The most distinctive fortune-telling method at Hikawa Shrine is the 'Aitai Mikuji' (Sea Bream Fortune), where visitors use a fishing rod to 'catch' a fortune slip featuring a sea bream, making the process enjoyable. In terms of amulets, the 'En-musubi Dama' (matchmaking charm) for good relationships is the most famous, available in limited quantities daily. Additionally, there are various types of amulets for academic success, health, traffic safety, and 'Anzan Omamori' (safe childbirth amulets), all diverse in style and exquisite in design, making them cherished souvenirs.

After visiting Hikawa Shrine, you can stroll to the nearby Kurazukuri Street and Kashiya Yokocho, where numerous specialty foods await. Kawagoe is famous for its sweet potatoes, so be sure to try snacks made from them, such as sweet potato chips, sweet potato ice cream, and sweet potato bread. Also, grilled eel dishes are a classic Kawagoe delicacy, with many old restaurants offering authentic flavors. You can also find traditional Japanese sweet shops and tea houses for a leisurely afternoon.

Hikawa Shrine holds regular monthly festivals, such as the 'En-musubi Kigan-sai' (Matchmaking Prayer Festival) on the 8th of each month, which attracts many people seeking good relationships. Furthermore, the summer 'En-musubi Furin Matsuri' (Matchmaking Wind Chime Festival) (approximately July to September) is an annual highlight, with wind chimes hung throughout and around the shrine, creating a captivating scene. As for the best times to visit, if you wish to avoid crowds, it's recommended to go on weekdays in the morning or late afternoon for a more peaceful experience of the shrine's atmosphere. If you want to experience a festival, you'll need to check the event schedule for the specific month or season in advance.

After visiting Hikawa Shrine, you can head to the areas around Kawagoe Station or Hon-Kawagoe Station, as well as near Kurazukuri Street, where several kimono rental shops are available. The rental process typically includes selecting your kimono, obi (sash), and accessories, with professional assistance for dressing and hairstyling. Once dressed, you can wear your kimono while strolling through the ancient streets of Kurazukuri and Kashiya Yokocho, capturing beautiful photos at iconic spots like the 'Toki no Kane,' and enjoying a unique experience that feels like stepping back in time.