Kawagoe Hachimangu

Standing in the heart of Koedo Kawagoe, famous for its storehouse style townscape, Kawagoe Hachimangu is an old shrine said to have been founded in the year 1030 by Minamoto no Yorinobu. Even within bustling Kawagoe, it is cherished by locals as a hidden gem where you can worship in relative calm.

In the grounds stand the wedded ginkgos, two trees that over long years have joined into one, where people quietly pray for good matches and marital harmony.

Highlights

• The wedded ginkgos, two trees joined into one, are treasured as a symbol of matchmaking and marital harmony
• The subordinate Minbu Inari Shrine, also called the sumo Inari from a legend about sumo, is believed to grant blessings for healthy legs and feet, and is popular with those praying for athletic improvement and sturdy legs
• The compact grounds offer a quiet space to catch your breath amid a lively Kawagoe stroll
• Seasonal goshuin seals, amulets, and the flower filled water basin are welcomed as mementos of a visit

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring brings fresh green, summer the lush shade of ginkgo leaves, and autumn turns the wedded ginkgos a splendid golden hue. In winter you can pray quietly in the clear air, and the shrine can be enjoyed all year round alongside a stroll through the Koedo townscape.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 19-1 Minamidoricho, Kawagoe City, Saitama
• About a 6 minute walk from the east exit of Kawagoe Station on the JR and Tobu Tojo lines
• Also within walking distance of Hon Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
• Within walking distance of the storehouse style townscape

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time of day: to photograph the wedded ginkgos and the flower filled water basin at leisure, mornings with fewer visitors are recommended
• Recommended season: late autumn, when the wedded ginkgos turn golden, is especially beautiful and photogenic. The flower filled water basin changes color with the seasons, so it can be enjoyed at any time of year
• Time needed: the grounds are compact, and a visit including a look around and photos takes about twenty to thirty minutes
• Nearby spots: close to Kawagoe Station, it makes a fine starting point for strolling the storehouse townscape, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Kashiya Yokocho candy alley, and the Bell of Time
• Budget: worship is free, and even with a goshuin and amulet you can bring home a memento for the low thousands of yen

A Quick Tip

Close to Kawagoe Station, it makes a fine starting point for touring the Koedo townscape or Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. Late autumn, when the wedded ginkgos turn golden, is especially beautiful, so it is worth timing a visit then.

📚 Sources

This article draws on public guidance from the city of Kawagoe and the Koedo Kawagoe tourism association about Kawagoe Hachimangu, its match-making paired ginkgo, and the Minbu Inari Shrine also called Sumo Inari, together with notices on the grounds and published materials on the seasonal flower water basin and goshuin seals. The founding legend by Minamoto no Yorinobu is also introduced in regional materials. Because fees and hours may change, please confirm the latest details through official sources before visiting.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: The grounds are compact, so about 20 to 30 minutes covers a visit including photos
• Best time of day: For unhurried photos of the paired ginkgo and flower water basin, the morning with fewer visitors is best
• Best season: Late autumn, when the paired ginkgo turns golden, is especially beautiful, and the flower water basin changes color with the seasons
• Access: About a 6-minute walk from the east exit of Kawagoe Station on the JR and Tobu Tojo lines, and within walking distance of Hon-Kawagoe Station on the Seibu Shinjuku Line
• Nearby strolls: An ideal starting point for touring the kurazukuri streetscape, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, Kashiya Yokocho, and the Bell of Time
• Budget: The visit is free, and even with a goshuin seal and amulets the cost stays in the low thousands of yen