How about a journey back to 473 BC? That is when the story of Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine begins. This ancient Shinto shrine has deep roots. It is more than just a historical site. It is a cultural touchstone.
Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine is not just any shrine. It is one of the oldest and most significant shrines in the Kanto region. Its history stretches back over 2,000 years. That is even before many of Kyoto’s famous shrines existed.
The shrine’s full name is Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Jinja. The city of Omiya actually gets its name from this shrine. Omiya means “great shrine” in Japanese.
According to tradition, Emperor Kosho established Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine. He was the 5th Emperor of Japan. The shrine became the chief Shinto shrine for the Musashi province. It enshrines Susanoo. Susanoo is the God of storms.
Legend says Yamato Takeru visited the shrine. He injured his leg while conquering eastern Japan. He worshiped at the shrine after an old man appeared in his dream. After worshiping he was able to stand on his own. The region was named Adachi meaning “leg stand”.
The Meiji Emperor favored the shrine. He decreed it would be the guardian shrine for Musashi province. Musashi province is now modern-day Saitama.
The grounds around Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine feature a beautiful park. You can find many trees, a bamboo garden and ponds there. There is even a zoo and a museum nearby.
Imagine walking from Saitama Shintoshin Station to Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine. The path is about two kilometers long. It passes under a canopy of trees. A local shop sells delicious dango rice cakes along the way.
At the end of the path stands a red bridge. It crosses a pond into the main shrine area. The trees growing within the grounds enhance the historical feel. You can offer a prayer and toss coins. Or you can admire the craftsmanship.
Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine is very popular during seasonal events. New Year’s and summer bring bustling crowds. Low-traffic seasons offer a more mystical experience. You can purchase a good luck charm as a souvenir.
The kami enshrined at Hikawa Jinja are Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inada-hime no Mikoto, and Ōnamuchi no Mikoto. Susanoo-no-Mikoto is the brother of Amaterasu. He is the god of sea, storms, fields, harvest, marriage, and love. Inada-hime no Mikoto is the wife of Susanoo. She is the goddess of rice, agriculture, marriage, love, childbirth and child rearing. Ōnamuchi no Mikoto is the god of nation-building, agriculture, medicine, and protective magic.
Emperor Meiji visited Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine in 1868. He stopped there while moving from Kyoto to Tokyo. He made it one of the chokusaisha in 1870.
So, as you stand before the Shimmei-hikawa-jinja Shrine, remember its long history. Feel the weight of centuries. This is a place where legends were born.