Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine — A Grand Shrine with 2,400 Years of History

Enshrined in Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama, Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine is regarded as the head shrine of the many Hikawa shrines across the country. Its founding is said to date to about 2,400 years ago in the era of Emperor Koasho, and as the first shrine, the highest ranked, of Musashi Province spanning Tokyo and Saitama, it has long received deep reverence from the imperial court and warrior houses. Its enshrined deities are the three, Susanoo no Mikoto, Inadahime no Mikoto, and Onamuchi no Mikoto. The approach of about two kilometers leading to the grounds is known as an avenue lined chiefly with zelkova trees and is renowned as one of the longest shrine approaches in Japan.

Note: This page introduces Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine as a representative shrine of Saitama City.

Highlights

• The Approach (about 2 km): The long zelkova lined approach continuing from the first torii, with around 650 trees running north to south, is a famous spot for autumn leaves that turn golden in late autumn
• The Gate and Worship Hall: A dignified group of halls. The vermilion painted gate gives off a solemn atmosphere
• The Sacred Pond (before the gate): A pond between the approach and the worship hall, with beautiful waterside scenery in every season
• Many Auxiliary Shrines: Numerous shrines dot the grounds, offering the pleasure of a leisurely tour
• New Year Hatsumode: As one of Kanto's foremost first shrine visit spots, it draws many worshippers during the first three days of the year

Enjoying the Seasons

Spring (March to April) is a beautiful season when the cherry blossoms and fresh green along the approach vie with one another. Summer (May to August) brings cool shade, and summer rites are held. Autumn (November to December) is a season for enjoyable strolls as the zelkova avenue turns golden. Winter (New Year) offers the great bustle of the first shrine visit, with the year opening custom of food stalls lining the approach.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: 1-407 Takahanacho, Omiya Ward, Saitama City, Saitama
• Transport: About a 15 minute walk from Omiya Station on the JR and Tobu Urban Park lines
• Gate opening hours: These vary by season, with summer (around May to August) roughly 5:00 to 18:00, winter (around November to February) roughly 6:00 to 17:00, and spring and autumn in between as a guide
• Admission: The grounds are free
• Time needed: About 1 to 1.5 hours including a stroll along the approach

Practical Travel Notes

• Allow about an hour to an hour and a half for a visit, walking the approach at a relaxed pace and touring the grounds
• The New Year season (January 1 to 3) is very crowded around the grounds. To avoid the crowds, visiting from January 4 onward or at year end on December 31 is an option
• Because the approach is nearly two kilometers, starting from the first torii lets you fully enjoy the tree lined avenue. If you are short on time, you can also head toward the side nearer the worship hall from Omiya Station
• The gate opening hours change with the season, so if you visit early in the morning or in the evening it is reassuring to check in advance
• As for cost, amulets and shrine seals run from a few hundred to a little over a thousand yen. A formal prayer service carries a separate offering fee
• A stroll combined with the adjacent Omiya Park or the Omiya Bonsai Village known for bonsai is also recommended

A Quick Tip

The New Year season (January 1 to 3) is extremely crowded around the grounds, so visiting from January 4 onward or at year end on December 31 is an option. Because the approach is nearly two kilometers, starting from the entrance on the first torii side is recommended. A stroll combined with Omiya Park can also be enjoyed.

📚 Sources

This article is based on the history and precinct guidance of Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine and on tourism information for Saitama City. It also draws on the shrine's guidance about the roughly 2 km zelkova-lined approach, the tower gate and worship hall, the sacred pond, and the New Year hatsumode. Gate opening hours and offerings vary by season, so please confirm with official sources before you go.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 1 to 1.5 hours including a walk along the approach.
• How to get around: Start from the first torii to enjoy the full 2 km tree-lined path; if short on time, head from Omiya Station toward the worship hall side.
• Gate hours: The tower gate opens 5:00 to 18:00 in summer (May to Aug) and 6:00 to 17:00 in winter (Nov to Feb), so check ahead for early morning or evening visits.
• Avoiding crowds: The hatsumode period (Jan 1 to 3) is very busy, so consider visiting from Jan 4 or at year's end.
• Budget guide: A few hundred to around a thousand yen for amulets and goshuin; formal prayers cost a separate offering.
• Combine your walk: The adjacent Omiya Park and Omiya Bonsai Village make a pleasant combined stroll.