20 Shrines in Saitama worth your time

Hodosan Shrine, founded by Yamato Takeru, offers protection from disasters and features unique carvings.

What it is

• One of Chichibu’s three major Shinto shrines.
• Founded in 110 CE by Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.
• Dedicated to Emperor Jinmu, Ōyamazumi no Kami, and Homusubi no Kami.
• Originally merged Shinto and Buddhist practices until 1868.

What to see

• Main shrine complex at the base of Mt. Hodo.
• Worship hall, main sanctuary, and offering hall in an “H” shape.
• Stunning carvings from 1874 renovations.
• Carvings depict Chinese mythological figures and auspicious creatures.
• Inner shrine on the summit, established by Yamato Takeru.
• Views from the summit of Mt. Hodo.

When to go

• Reitaisai, the main annual festival, on April 3.
• Other festivals are held throughout the year.

Getting there

• Inner shrine on summit is an hour walk from the base.
• Cable car departs just outside the main complex to the summit.

Address

埼玉県秩父郡長瀞町長瀞1828 Map

Official site

www.hodosan-jinja.or.jp

Read more about Hodosan Shrine

A historic village shrine in Kuki featuring ancient stone guardian dogs and a unique annual ritual called Naida.

What it is

• A former village shrine for Yoshiba Village also known as Sanja Daimyojin.
• Relocated north around 1970 to accommodate local road expansion projects.
• The grounds house branch shrines including Yasaka Shrine and Inari Shrine.
• Hachiman Shrine and Washinomiya Shrine were enshrined at this location in 1870.

What to see

• A pair of stone guardian dogs dedicated to the shrine in September 1829.
• The Yasaka Shrine building which enshrines the deity Susanoo-no-Mikoto.
• An Inari Shrine structure that was moved to these grounds in 1984.

When to go

• The annual festival takes place on the first Day of the Rooster in July.
• A special ritual called Naida is performed the day after the annual festival.

Getting there

• The shrine is a two-minute walk from the Yoshiba Koen bus stop.

Read more about Chikatsu Shrine (Kuki, Yoshiba)

A historic Chichibu shrine founded by Prince Yamato Takeru, famous for its association with the 1884 Chichibu Incident and Ryusei Festival.

What it is

• Ancient shrine listed in the Engishiki Jinmeicho and originally named Ikura Gosho Daimyojin.
• Legendary founding by Prince Yamato Takeru during his eastern expedition.
• Dedicated to the deity Sarutahiko-no-mikoto and designated as a prefectural shrine in 1882.
• Site of the 1884 Chichibu Konminto uprising rally and a 2004 film location.

What to see

• The main hall is a Chichibu City designated tangible cultural property.
• Location of the Ryusei Festival, a national important intangible folk cultural property.

When to go

• Visit during the Ryusei Festival to see traditional rocket launches.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Seibu-Chichibu Station to reach the area.
• Walk ten minutes from the Ryusei Kaikan bus stop to the grounds.

Read more about Muku Shrine

This Shinto shrine in Chichibu's southern mountains offers worship and hiking, with a hot-spring inn available.

What it is

• One of three preeminent Shinto worship sites in Chichibu.
• Founded around the first century by Prince Yamato Takeru no Mikoto.
• Dedicated to Izanami and Izanagi, creators of the Japanese islands.
• Named for the three peaks of Myōhō, Shiraiwa, and Kumotori.

What to see

• Statues of wolves guard the entry, not komainu.
• Renovated Shinto worship hall and main sanctuary.
• Magnificent carvings on the worship hall, sanctuary, and main gate.
• Mt. Mitsumine Museum.
• Kōunkaku, a hot-spring inn.
• Scenic southern mountains of Chichibu.

When to go

• Popular destination for worshippers and hikers.
• Good for hiking Mt. Kumotori.

Getting there

• Located in Chichibu Tama Kai National Park.
• Beside the trailhead for Mt. Kumotori.

Address

埼玉県秩父市三峰298-1 Map

Official site

www.mitsuminejinja.or.jp

Read more about Mitsumine Shrine

A historic Saitama shrine enshrining Onamuchi-no-mikoto, featuring ancient monuments and cultural properties from the Edo and Meiji eras.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine enshrining the deities Onamuchi-no-mikoto and Sukunabikona-no-mikoto.
• Formerly known as Nagamiya Myojinsha during the Edo period.
• Renamed to Nakahikawa Shrine during the early Meiji era.
• Granted red seal land by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1591.

What to see

• A preserved dead zelkova tree standing on the shrine grounds.
• A monument dedicated to the poet Yoshiko Mikajima.
• A copper Buddhist plaque designated as a cultural property of Tokorozawa.
• The Nikkawao-no-hi monument, a designated historical cultural property.

When to go

• The annual spring festival held on April 15.
• The autumn festival taking place on September 29.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Kotesashi Station.

Read more about Nakahikawa Shrine

A historic Saitama shrine founded in 869, offering cultural artifacts and a peaceful stop for hikers and local families.

What it is

• A shrine founded in 869 through the merger of Kano Tenmangu and Hikawa Shrine
• Dedicated to the deities Sugawara no Michizane and Susanoo no Mikoto
• A designated stop on local hiking and walking courses in Okegawa City

What to see

• A kagura hall and a fortune slip office located on the grounds
• Children's play equipment including swings and slides for local families
• A wooden plaque designated as a city tangible cultural property
• Power stones similar to those found at Inari shrines
• A historical well that has been converted into a pond
• The Tenjin-michi road marker which is a city tangible folk cultural property

Getting there

• The nearest bus stop is named Kano Tenmangu Iriguchi

Read more about Hikawa Tenman Shrine

A historic village shrine in Satte City featuring merged deities, stone monuments, and a community playground for local families.

What it is

• A former village shrine dedicated to the central deity Yasaka.
• Originally founded in 1600 near the Nikko Onari Highway.
• Multiple shrines including Inari and Katori were merged here in 1909.

What to see

• Two main torii gates and three purification fonts located on the grounds.
• Several Koshin towers and various stone monuments standing within the precincts.
• A playground area equipped with slides and swings for children.

When to go

• The annual festival is held every year on October 17th.

Getting there

• A ten minute walk from Satte Station leads to the shrine grounds.
• The city loop bus stops at the nearby Minami Danchi entrance.

Read more about Kamitakano Shrine

Hikawa Shrine is a historic guardian shrine in Kawagoe with a giant torii gate and important festival.

What it is

• Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine was founded in 541 AD.
• It is the total guardian of Kawagoe since Ota Dokan.
• Deities enshrined are Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto.

What to see

• The Otorii is one of Japan's largest wooden torii gates.
• The main hall was completed in 1849.
• The main hall is a Saitama Prefecture Designated Cultural Property.
• The Yasaka Shrine building moved from Edo Castle in 1656.

When to go

• The Kawagoe Festival is a National Important Folk Cultural Property.
• The festival float event is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Getting there

• Accessible by bus from Kawagoe Station.
• Accessible by bus from Hon-Kawagoe Station.

Address

埼玉県川越市宮下町2-11-3 Map

Official site

www.kawagoehikawa.jp

Read more about Hikawa Shrine

This ancient shrine, rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu, is known for its architecture and unique wood carvings.

What it is

• One of Japan’s oldest shrines, celebrated 2100th year in 2014.
• Dedicated to Shinto deities Yagokoro Omoikane, Chichibu Hiko, Ame no Minakanushi no Kami, and Prince Chichibu.
• Founded during the reign of Emperor Sujin.
• Current building ordered by Tokugawa Ieyasu after 1569 fire.

What to see

• Gongen-zukuri architecture of the shrine building.
• Striking wood carvings on the eaves, possibly by Hidari Jingorō.
• "Child-rearing tigers" carving on the front (south) side.
• "Three rowdy monkeys" carving on the west side.
• "North Star Owl" carving on the north side.
• "Chained dragon" carving on the east side.

When to go

• During the Chichibu Night Festival.

Address

〒368-0041埼玉県秩父市番場町1-3 Map

Official site

www.chichibu-jinja.or.jp

Read more about Chichibu Shrine

Tokorozawa Shinmei Shrine, a large Shinmei-zukuri shrine, offers unique air safety prayers.

What it is

• A Shinmei-zukuri style shrine in Saitama Prefecture.
• Known as "Musashi-koku no Oise-sama."
• Dedicated to Amaterasu Omikami, Ukanomitama no Mikoto, and Omononushi no Okami.
• Known for prayers related to airplanes and air safety.

What to see

• Main shrine and Tamagushi gate, completed in 1902.
• Heiden and Haiden, completed in 1934.
• One of Kanto's largest Shinmei-zukuri style shrines.

When to go

• Doll memorial service on the first Sunday of June.

Getting there

• Accessible from Kōkū-kōen Station.
• Accessible from Tokorozawa Station.
• Accessible from Nishi-Tokorozawa Station.

Address

埼玉県所沢市宮本町1-2-4 Map

Official site

www.shinmeisha.or.jp

Read more about Tokorozawa Shinmei Shrine

A historic village Shinto shrine in Hasuda City featuring a main building from 1906 and ties to local Edo-period records.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Hasuda City that received a divided spirit from Iwatsuki Hisaizu Shrine.
• Recorded in the Shinpen Musashi Fudoki Ko during the Edo period.
• Designated as a village shrine in 1873 after being managed by Jokanji Temple.
• The founding date of the original shrine remains unknown.

What to see

• The current main shrine building which was constructed in 1906.
• Shrine buildings that underwent significant renovation work in 1955.
• The site where a large cedar tree stood before a 1979 lightning strike.

Getting there

• The shrine is a twenty-four minute walk from Shiraoka Station.

Read more about Hisaizusha

Ancient shrine in Kawagoe, home to important cultural properties and a unique festival.

What it is

• Founded in 863.
• Dedicated to a spirit from Iwashimizu Hachimangu Shrine.
• Land donated by Minamoto no Yoritomo.

What to see

• Shrine building is a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Former main shrine building is a Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property.
• Large kettle for hot water is a City Tangible Cultural Property.
• Shuinjo of Tokugawa Shoguns is a City Tangible Cultural Property.
• Yakushi Nyorai statue discovered in 1975.

When to go

• Horo Matsuri is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 36-minute walk from Minami-Furuya Station on the Kawagoe Line.

Address

埼玉県川越市古谷本郷1408 Map

Read more about Furuoya Hachiman Shrine

Hikawa Shrine is a historic head shrine with a grand approach, offering a glimpse into ancient Japanese spirituality.

What it is

• Head shrine for about 280 Hikawa Shrines.
• Dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inadahime-no-Mikoto, and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto.
• Designated a Kanpei-taisha under the modern shrine ranking system.
• Emperor Meiji designated it a Chokusai-sha in 1868.

What to see

• A 2-kilometer main approach.
• Three large torii gates along the approach.
• Approach lined with 30 types of trees, including zelkova.
• Located on the edge of the former Minuma marsh.

When to go

• Annual Bonfire Noh performance in May.

Getting there

• Accessible from Omiya-koen Station.
• Accessible from Kita-omiya Station.

Address

〒330-0803 埼玉県さいたま市大宮区高鼻町1-407 Map

Official site

musashiichinomiya-hikawa.or.jp

Read more about Hikawa Shrine

Ancient shrine in Saitama, known for its rare Yabusame festival and historic main hall.

What it is

• Former village shrine in Moroyama, Saitama Prefecture.
• One candidate for the Shikinaishosha Izumoiwai Shrine.
• Only place in Saitama with an annual Yabusame offering.

What to see

• Main hall rebuilt in 1528.
• Main hall is a nationally designated Important Cultural Property.
• Main hall is of the ikkensha nagare-zukuri style.

When to go

• Full-scale Yabusame originated in 1063.
• Annual Yabusame festival held on November 3rd.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Moro Station on the JR Hachiko Line.
• 10-minute walk from Higashi-Moro Station on the Tobu Ogose Line.

Address

埼玉県入間郡毛呂山町岩井西5-17-1 Map

Read more about Izumoiwai Shrine, Moroyama

Suwa Shrine is a historic local shrine with unique architecture and a lively autumn festival.

What it is

• A Shinto shrine in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Inari Daimyojin, Tenmangu, and other deities.
• Formed by mergers of several smaller shrines in the early 1900s.

What to see

• The main hall is the central building.
• Two torii gates mark the entrance.
• A chozuya for ritual purification.
• A pair of komainu (guardian dogs) from 1856.
• A cedar forest and ginkgo trees.

When to go

• October 27th for the annual Amazake Matsuri festival.

Getting there

• Take a bus from Kuki Station East Exit.
• 10-minute walk southwest from Satte Station West Exit.

Address

埼玉県久喜市栗原字前242 Map

Read more about Suwa Shrine (Kuki)

A historic village shrine in Kasukabe rebuilt after the Great Kanto Earthquake, featuring a community center on former temple grounds.

What it is

• A local shrine likely founded around 1678 in Kasukabe City.
• Designated as a village shrine in 1873 during the Meiji era.
• Formerly administered by a Shingon sect temple called Johoan until the early Meiji period.
• The current structures were rebuilt shortly after the 1923 Great Kanto Earthquake.

What to see

• Shrine buildings reconstructed following their destruction in the 1923 earthquake.
• A community center located on the site of the former administrative temple building.

Getting there

• The site is a twenty-six minute walk from Ichinowari Station.

Read more about Katori Shrine

Kumano Shrine is a historic branch shrine in Saitama, known for its unique stone deity statues.

What it is

• A branch shrine of Kumano Hayatama Taisha in Wakayama Prefecture.
• Dedicated to Izanami-no-Mikoto, Hayatamao-no-Mikoto, and Kotosa-kao-no-Mikoto.
• Separated from Pukoji Temple in 1868 due to Shinbutsu-bunri order.
• Became a village shrine in 1871, promoted in 1933.

What to see

• Kumano Sansho Gongen statues are enshrined in the inner sanctuary.
• Statues were made from stone from nearby mountains.

When to go

• Shimofukuda Sasara Shishimai is dedicated at summer festivals.
• Shimofukuda Sasara Shishimai is dedicated at autumn festivals.

Address

埼玉県比企郡滑川町福田1734 Map

Read more about Kumano Shrine

Shinmeisha is a historic shrine in Saitama, known for its unique traditional sumo ritual.

What it is

• A shrine in Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture.
• Founded in 1505.
• Originally a guardian deity of the Nakamura family.
• Now open to the public.

What to see

• Komainu (guardian dogs) at the entrance.
• A chikaraishi (power stone).

When to go

• For the 'Iwatsuki no Koshiki Dohyoiri' event.
• Children perform dohyoiri, a sumo ring-entering ceremony.
• This event has continued since 1684-1688.
• The dohyoiri is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Getting there

• 28-minute walk from Urawa-Misono Station.

Address

埼玉県さいたま市岩槻区釣上220 Map

Read more about Shinmeisha

Ota Shrine is a historic village shrine in Kuki City, known for its summer festival and lion dance.

What it is

• A village shrine in Kuki City, Saitama Prefecture.
• Formerly named Raiden Chisato Shrine.
• Name changed to Ota Shrine in 1907.
• Several shrines merged into it in 1907.

What to see

• Main hall, shrine office, and torii gate.
• Purification trough for visitors.
• Sub-shrines: Asama, Hakusan, Aotaki, Inari.

When to go

• Festival held annually on July 25th.
• Kukuki Lion Dance performed at the festival.
• Amazake Festival associated with Hakusan Shrine.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from Kuki Station West Exit.

Address

埼玉県久喜市久喜北1-6-29 Map

Read more about Ota Shrine

Katori Shrine is a historic village shrine with unique stone monuments and seasonal festivals.

What it is

• A village shrine in Satte, Saitama Prefecture.
• One of the shrines of Sakurada Village.
• Main hall foundation stone inscribed with 1815.

What to see

• Main hall, repaired in early Showa period and 1990-1991.
• Torii gate marks the entrance.
• Pair of komainu dedicated on December 20, 1940.
• Inari Shrine within the grounds.
• Stone monument inscribed with Tenmangu.
• Stone monument inscribed with Ise Sangu Kinen.

When to go

• Festivals are held in winter, spring, summer, and autumn.
• Summer festival features a portable shrine.

Address

埼玉県幸手市大字中川崎61 Map

Read more about Katori Shrine (Satte)