Chichibu Imamiya Jinja

Although it sits within the town of Chichibu, stepping into the grounds of Imamiya Jinja wraps you in clear water and greenery. Its main deity is Hachidai Ryuo, the eight great dragon kings, and the shrine has long been a center of dragon god worship. Within the grounds are the Ryujin Pond and the Seiryu Waterfall, fed by spring water from Mount Buko, water that has been named one of Japans hundred famous waters of the Heisei era.

Said to be the birthplace of the Chichibu pilgrimage route, it is a healing spot in the heart of town known for blessings of wealth, good ties, and health.

Highlights

- At the dragon pond you can perform coin washing to wash your money, popular with visitors praying for rising fortune - The sacred Ryujin tree, a zelkova said to be about a thousand years old, has a trunk circumference of around nine meters, among the largest in the prefecture - The Seiryu Waterfall, fed by spring water from Mount Buko, is so pure it seems to cleanse the heart just to watch it - Goshuin seals and amulets with a dragon motif make welcome keepsakes of a visit

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring dyes the grounds in fresh green, while summer turns the waterside into a cool retreat from the heat. In autumn the sacred tree and surrounding trees take on color, and in winter you can pray quietly in the clear air. All year round it is a place to feel the life force of water and greenery.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 16-10 Nakamachi, Chichibu City, Saitama - About a 10 minute walk from Seibu Chichibu Station on the Seibu Chichibu Line - About a 5 minute walk from Ohanabatake Station on the Chichibu Railway - Paid parking is available nearby

A Quick Tip

Easy access from Chichibu Station makes it simple to combine with a town stroll. When washing coins, it is said to be good to keep the cleansed coin carefully in your wallet.