# Hikawa Shrine

> 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.

- Prefecture: Saitama
- Type: Shrine
- Address: Saitama, Japan

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.

## FAQ

### 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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Source: Hikawa Shrine — Japan Voyage