Hikawa Shrine (JDT Recommends)

The Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine was founded 1500 years ago and the main shrine has been designated as an important cultural asset of the prefecture Saitama. This shrine is known for granting wishes related to matters of the heart.

During the summer, the Furin Kairo (Corridor of marriage wind chimes) is set up at the east side of the main shrine and front shrine. This is 10m long and about 2000 multicolored wind chimes are hung. You will see the piece of wood which has people's wishes are written on hanging from the each wind chimes. Long time ago, people believed that "the wind carries people's feelings." The wind chime tone is telling that the wind is delivering someones heart. This photogenic view attracts many people and they are mesmerized by the bright coolred wind chimes and its beautiful sounds.

In June, right before the shrine is decorated with enmusubi furin, it is decorated with about 2000 Kazaguruma (Pinwheels) for about a month. Most years, except the special occasions, the main display of 888 pinwheels covered tunnel are blue and white colors. In Japan, the number of 888 is considered to be lucky in love.

Every day, the first 20 people to arrive at the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine can get this adorable free "marriage ball" lucky charms. It is said that having this lucky charm will bless you with good luck in finding a partner. If you have one and happen to meet your soulmate, then you should both visit the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine and return the charm. In exchange for the "marriage ball" lucky charm, you will receive a special lucky charm that will bless you with a long and steady relationship.

>> Omamori

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine also have quite unique omikuji (fortunes) called "Tai-Mikuji" (Red snapper fortunes). You need to "fish it" with the rod instead of picking one from the box by a hand and find the paper fortune inserted in the fish tail. Regular Omikuji needs to tie the paper fortune at the shirne, but you need to keep it with you all the time and it will bring you a good relationship.

This red pencil (Akai enpitsu) is symbolising the red string of fate. The shorter the pencil gets, the clser you come to your destined partner.