Koma Jinja

Standing in Hidaka City, Koma Jinja is an old shrine enshrining Jakko, a king from the Goguryeo kingdom who devoted himself to developing the Koma district newly established in Musashi Province in the year 716. Jakko opened up this land together with people who had come over from Goguryeo, and the shrine was founded to honor his lasting virtue.

From the Taisho into the Showa era, politicians repeatedly took office as prime minister after visiting, and so it came to be known as the deity of success, drawing people from across the country who pray for good fortune, advancement, and career luck.

Highlights

• Owing to its renown as the deity of success, it bustles with visitors praying for employment, promotion, and good fortune
• The Koma family residence, the former home of descendants of the enshrined deity, is a nationally designated important cultural property preserving the form of an old farmhouse from the Keicho era, around 1596 to 1614
• Beside the residence stands a weeping cherry tree about 400 years old, splendid when it blooms in late March
• The calm grounds, where you can feel the history of immigrant culture, are ideal for an unhurried visit

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring sees the roughly 400 year old weeping cherry in full bloom, while summer wraps the grounds in green. In autumn the nearby Kinchakuda field turns crimson with red spider lilies, and many visit the two together. In winter you can pray quietly in the clear air, enjoying the charm of each season.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 833 Niibori, Hidaka City, Saitama
• About a 20 minute walk from Komagawa Station on the JR Hachiko and Kawagoe lines
• About a 45 minute walk from Koma Station on the Seibu Ikebukuro Line
• Free parking available for about 400 cars, including large buses

Practical Travel Notes

• Recommended season: the two great seasons are late March when the weeping cherry blooms, and late September to early October when the red spider lilies of Kinchakuda reach their peak. During the spider lily season the area grows crowded, so an early time slot is recommended
• Recommended route: the usual course is to first visit the main hall, then view the adjoining Koma family residence and the weeping cherry. With time to spare, you can spend a full day combining a stroll through Kinchakuda and the Koma no Sato area
• Time needed: viewing the grounds and the Koma family residence takes about thirty minutes to an hour at a leisurely pace
• Avoiding crowds: Kinchakuda is extremely busy during the spider lily season, so using public transport or visiting early is reassuring. At other times you can worship in relative calm
• Nearby spots: Kinchakuda, famous for its cluster amaryllis, and the peaceful rural scenery along the Koma River spread out nearby, and many combine a visit with hiking
• Budget: worship is free, and even with a goshuin and amulet a visit fits within the low thousands of yen

A Quick Tip

If visiting in autumn, it is recommended to pair it with Kinchakuda, famous for its red spider lilies. As a place to pray at life milestones for success and good fortune, it is well suited to those facing a new job or a career change.

📚 Sources

This article draws on tourism guidance for the city of Hidaka and the Okumusashi area about Koma Jinja, the history surrounding Koma-no-Kokishi Jakko, and the nationally designated important cultural property Koma Family Residence and its weeping cherry, together with notices on the grounds and published materials on the nearby Kinchakuda. The pioneering of Koma District and the history of immigrant culture are 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: About 30 minutes to an hour for a relaxed tour of the grounds and the Koma Family Residence
• Best season: The two main seasons are late March for the weeping cherry and late September to early October when the red spider lilies of Kinchakuda are at their peak
• Access: About a 20-minute walk from Komagawa Station on the JR Hachiko and Kawagoe lines, or about a 45-minute walk from Koma Station on the Seibu-Ikebukuro Line
• Parking: Free parking for about 400 vehicles, with space for large buses
• Avoiding crowds: Kinchakuda is very crowded in the spider-lily season, so public transport or an early-morning visit is advised
• Budget: The visit is free, and even with a goshuin seal and amulets the cost stays in the low thousands of yen