Information for Living in Saitama City Folleto de Información de Vida en Saitama No.80 (Mar. 2022)おおみやひかわじんしIntroducing Hikawa Shrine from which Omiya got its name Conozcamos el Santuario Sintoista de Omiya Hikawa, el origen del topónimo de "Omiya"さいたま市内で歴史、伝統文化を体感できる氷川神社の見ところThe highlights of Hikawa Shrine where you can experience the history and traditional culture of Saitama City Lo más destacado del Santuario Sintoista de Hikawa, donde se puede experimentar la historia y la cultura tradicional en la ciudad de Saitama. * 2 0 0年以上の歴史* * Over 2000 years of history * Más de 2000 años de historia Japan's longest shrine approach * El camino de acceso más largo de Japón *Encompassing about 100,000 m² *Recinto de unos 100.000 metros cuadrados公益社団法人さいたま観光国際協会(STIB)国際交流センタ-しうらわくひがしたかさごちょう場所：さいたま市浦和区東高砂町11-1コムナーレ9階【Pub I i shed】 The Saitama Tourism and International Relations Bureau(STIB), International Exchange Center (IEC) gth floor of the Comunale Complex, Higashi Takasago-cho 11-1, Urawa-ku, Saitama City 【Place】 【Publicado por】 Buró para el Turismo y las Relaciones Internacionales de Saitama (STIB) Centro de Intercambio Internacional Piso 9 de Comunale, 11.1 Higashi-Takasago-cho, Urawa-ku, Saitama 【Domicilio】 TEL :  048-813-8500  FAX :  048-887-1505 E-mail: iec@stib.jp  URL: https://www.stib.jp/kokusai * Main annual events of the shrine * Principales eventos anuales del santuario Hikawa Shrine is a relaxing and healing place where you can enjoy nature in the same tranquility as long ago. It is located about 15 minutes away from lively Omiya Station, which is one of the busiest stations in Japan. The shrine precincts cover about 100,000 m2 and are at the endpoint of the long approach to Hikawa, which is lined with bamboo groves and zelkova trees. The adjacent Omiya Park is also a famous place for cherry blossoms. There is also a prefectural history and folk museum located nearby. Come experience a different side of the great city of Omiya.
Over 2000 years of history
Omiya Hikawa Shrine has a history of more than 2000 years and enshrines three central gods: Susano Onomikoto, Inada Himenomikoto, and Onamuchinomikoto. It is said to have been the "Ichinomiya" (or highest shrine) of Musashi Province (Kanto region) during the reign of Emperor Shomu (Nara period), and this is thought to be the origin of the place name "Omiya." There are about 280 Hikawa Shrines nationwide, but Omiya Hikawa Shrine is the headquarters of all of these shrines and is also visited by His Majesty the Emperor.
Japan’s longest shrine approach
The Hikawa approach from the torii gate near Saitama Shintoshin Station to the shrine is about 2 km long, and is the longest among the many shrine approaches in Japan. The approach is lined with about 680 tall trees, mainly Zelkovas. The scenery changes with the four seasons from fresh greenery to the colors of autumn, illuminated trees, and fallen leaves. In addition, the Otorii (shrine gate) is the tallest wooden structure in the Kanto region. In recent years, the Omiya Ward Office and library complex was built beside the approach to the shrine, which holds various events. There are also stylish, new cafes and restaurants along the way, making it a wonderful walking path. Encompassing about 100,000 m² After passing through the third torii gate, you will enter the shrine precincts. The cleansed precincts give a sense as if the air has changed, and it is considered one of the best 'power spots' in Saitama. Here you can see historical Japanese buildings such as the main hall of worship, the tower gate, and the performance stage. How to make a shrine offering • Ring the bell on the rope • Toss a coin into the offering box • Bow twice, then clap your hands twice • Pray with your hands together • Bow one final time Main annual events of the shrine ◎January 1: New Year's Festival Every New Year, more than 2 million people visit the shrine to pray for the happiness in the new year. ◎Late May: Takigi Noh Performance This Noh drama perfomance is held at night by bonfire light. ◎December 10 (Tokamachi) Held in conjunction with the Oyu Festival (where bonfires are kept burning), this event is crowded with many food and game stalls. In Japan, it is common for people to adopt various aspects of different religions for different parts of their lives, such as a Christian ceremony for their wedding, occasional trips to the shrine for good luck, and a Buddhist ceremony for their funeral. This is often regardless of individuals' own personal religious beliefs (or lack thereof). In this spirit of tolerance, entry to most shrines including Omiya Hikawa Shrine is free.
＜Religion in Japan＞