Hikawa Shrine
About This Destination
Hikawa Shrine in Saitama claims over 2,400 years of history, making it one of Japan's oldest Shinto shrines. The 2-kilometer approach lined with zelkova trees is the longest shrine approach in Japan, and the shrine serves as the head of over 280 Hikawa shrines across the Kanto region.
Location
Prefecture: Saitama
Address: Saitama, Japan
Nearest Station: Omiya
Best time to visit: Year-round; the long tree-lined approach in Omiya is pleasant in every season, especially at New Year
Visitor Information
Credit Cards: Unknown
Access
Saitama, Japan
Get DirectionsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Hikawa Shrine in Omiya?
Omiya is about 30 minutes from central Tokyo by train. From JR Omiya Station the shrine is a 15 to 20 minute walk, or about 10 minutes on foot from Kita-Omiya on the Tobu Urban Park Line.
What is Hikawa Shrine known for?
It is the head shrine of about 280 Hikawa shrines across the Kanto region and claims roughly 2,400 years of history. Its approach runs 2 kilometres lined with cedar and zelkova, the longest shrine approach in Japan, and Omiya's name, meaning "great shrine", comes from it. As a major hatsumode site it draws more than 2 million New Year visitors.
What are the hours and best times to visit?
Entry is free and the grounds are open roughly from 5:30 to 17:30. The chinowa ring purifications in June and December are good times to visit for ritual. New Year is the busiest period because of hatsumode, so expect large crowds then.
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