🕓 2025/3/6
＃観光地
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Table of Contents
- Mitsumine Shrine | A Mystical Power Spot
- Kawagoe Ichiban-gai | The Heart of "Little Edo"
- Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | A Shrine for Love and Blessings
Top 3 Must-Visit Attractions in Saitama
ー What is Saitama Prefecture? ー
Saitama Prefecture is known for its unique blend of beautiful natural landscapes and vibrant urban life. Despite its close proximity to central Tokyo, it offers a variety of scenic locations where visitors can enjoy nature to the fullest.
The historic city of Kawagoe, often referred to as "Little Edo," preserves the traditional atmosphere of old Japan, allowing visitors to experience its deep-rooted history and culture. Regular festivals and events held in the area provide further opportunities to immerse oneself in the local traditions.
For nature enthusiasts, the Chichibu region, including the Oku-Chichibu area, is a hidden gem. Visitors can explore the Chichibu 34 Kannon Pilgrimage, embark on scenic hiking trails adorned with seasonal flowers, and appreciate the rich natural environment that the region has to offer.
1. Mitsumine Shrine | A Mystical Power Spot
● The Allure of Mitsumine Shrine
Mitsumine Shrine is one of the most renowned power spots in the Kanto region, located deep in the mountains of Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, at an elevation of approximately 1,100 meters. One of its most distinctive features is the worship of wolves as divine messengers. This tradition originates from a legend in which Yamato Takeru, a legendary prince of ancient Japan, was guided through the mountains by wolves during his eastern expedition. As a result, the guardian statues (komainu) at the shrine take the form of wolves, and wolf imagery is featured on its omamori (protective charms) and goshuin (sacred stamps).
The shrine grounds are home to several unique architectural and spiritual features. The Mitsu Torii, a rare type of triple torii gate, and the grand Zuishinmon Gate create a majestic entrance. One of the most famous mystical spots is a stone near the main hall, which reveals the image of a dragon when water is poured over it. This spiritual phenomenon draws many visitors in search of divine energy.
From the Oku-no-miya Remote Worship Hall, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sea of clouds on clear days, offering a truly otherworldly experience. Additionally, the Shokyo-in Café within the shrine grounds serves a limited number of specialty coffee jelly desserts daily, making it a perfect spot to relax after exploring the sacred site.
● The History of Mitsumine Shrine
Mitsumine Shrine has a history dating back approximately 1,900 years. According to legend, Yamato Takeru, during his eastern expedition, was deeply moved by the beauty of the surrounding mountains and rivers and enshrined Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, the deities of creation in Japanese mythology.
During the Heian period (794–1185), the shrine became an important center for Shugendō, a syncretic faith combining Buddhism and mountain worship. Though the shrine suffered decline during the Sengoku period (15th–16th century) due to conflicts involving the Ashikaga clan, it was later revived by devoted ascetic practitioners.
In the Edo period (1603–1868), the belief in “O-inu-sama” (sacred wolves) spread widely, leading to the shrine becoming a major pilgrimage site in the Kanto region. Even today, Mitsumine Shrine is regarded as one of the most spiritually powerful places in Japan, attracting countless worshippers seeking divine protection and mystical energy.
● Access to Mitsumine Shrine
- Official Website: 三峰神社公式HP
- Address: 298-1 Mitsumine, Yokose-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama 369-1902, Japan
- By Bus:
From Seibu Chichibu Station (Seibu Chichibu Line): Approx. 80 minutes (¥950)
From Mitsumineguchi Station (Chichibu Railway): Approx. 55 minutes (¥690) - By Car:
From Tokyo: Approx. 2 hours via Route 140
From Yamanashi: Approx. 2.5 hours via Route 140 - Note: Mitsumine Shrine’s parking lot is available for a fee.
- Google Maps: 三峰神
● The Allure of Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street
known for preserving the charm of the Edo period. Often referred to as “Little Edo”, this street is lined with traditional kura-zukuri (storehouses), characterized by black walls and tiled roofs, offering visitors a nostalgic glimpse into Japan’s past. The 450-meter-long street is home to a diverse range of establishments, from long-standing traditional shops to modern boutiques, allowing visitors to enjoy both shopping and dining while strolling through the historic townscape.
One of the most iconic landmarks of the district is the Toki no Kane (Bell of Time), a wooden bell tower standing approximately 16 meters tall. It is believed to have been originally built around 400 years ago, and its chimes continue to echo four times a day, adding to the timeless atmosphere of Kawagoe. Additionally, the area features numerous kimono rental shops, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to explore the town while dressed in traditional Japanese attire.
With its blend of historical architecture and vibrant shops, Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street offers visitors the unique experience of stepping back in time while enjoying the modern charm of the area.
● The History of Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street
Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street has a history dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868) and features kura-zukuri buildings that have survived since the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The origins of the district can be traced to the urban planning initiated by Matsudaira Nobutsuna, the feudal lord of the Kawagoe Domain. After repeated fires, the shogunate encouraged fire-resistant architecture, leading to the construction of storehouses with tiled roofs.
In 1893, the Great Kawagoe Fire destroyed about one-third of the town’s buildings. However, in the aftermath, the town was rebuilt with a stronger emphasis on kura-zukuri architecture, forming the foundation of today’s cityscape. In 1951, 70 local stores joined forces to establish the Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street Cooperative, further strengthening the identity of the district.
In 1987, the area underwent significant renovations, including streetlight installations, stone-paved sidewalks, and the undergrounding of power lines to enhance the historical ambiance. These efforts led to the district being designated as an Important Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings in 1999, the same year it also received the Good Design Award for its outstanding urban planning.
● Access to Kawagoe Ichiban-gai Shopping Street
- Official Website: 川越市公式HP
- Address: 1 Chome, Saiwai-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama 350-0053, Japan
- Google Maps: 川越市の街並み
- How to Get There:
From JR Kawagoe Station or Tobu Tojo Line Kawagoe-shi Station, it is accessible by foot or bus.
From Tokyo, it takes approximately one hour, making it an ideal destination for a day trip.
3. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine | A Shrine for Love and Blessings
● The Allure of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine, located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture, is a historic shrine said to have been founded approximately 1,500 years ago. It enshrines five deities: Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, a married couple; Ashinazuchi-no-Mikoto and Tenazuchi-no-Mikoto, Kushinadahime’s parents; and Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, their child. Because these deities form a family, the shrine is renowned for granting blessings for family harmony, marital happiness, and romantic relationships, attracting many visitors seeking these divine benefits.
One of the shrine's most famous traditions is the "Enmusubi-tama" (Marriage Blessing Stones), which are distributed in limited quantities of only 20 per day. Additionally, visitors can try the "Tai-mikuji" (Fortune Fishing), where they use a fishing rod to pull a red snapper-shaped fortune slip. The "Ema Tunnel", with approximately 30,000 wooden prayer plaques dedicated by worshippers, creates a mystical atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for those hoping for love and good fortune.
During the summer, the "Enmusubi Furin" (Wind Chime Festival) takes place, filling the shrine grounds with the soothing sounds of hundreds of colorful wind chimes, creating a magical and refreshing ambiance.
● The History of Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine's origins date back approximately 1,500 years to the Kofun period (3rd–7th century). According to legend, mysterious glowing lights were seen over the Iruma River at night, which were believed to be a divine manifestation of Hikawa-no-Kami. This led to the establishment of the shrine at its present location. It shares its deities with Omiya Hikawa Shrine, the most prominent Hikawa shrine in the Musashi Province (modern-day Saitama and Tokyo).
During the Muromachi period (1336–1573), when the feudal lord Ota Doshin and his son Ota Dokan built Kawagoe Castle, they designated the shrine as a guardian deity for the castle town and the domain. Even after the Edo period (1603–1868), the shrine continued to receive special patronage from the successive lords of the Kawagoe Domain, leading to the reconstruction of the shrine buildings. The current main hall (honden) was completed in 1849, funded by Matsudaira Naritsune, and is adorned with intricate Edo-style wood carvings.
A significant feature of the shrine is its 15-meter-tall wooden torii gate, with a nameplate inscribed by the famous Kaishu Katsu, a renowned statesman from the late Edo period.
In 1948, an ancient ritual stone sword was excavated from the shrine grounds, confirming that this location had been a religious site since the 5th century, reinforcing its deep historical and cultural significance. Today, Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine remains a central spiritual site in the region, attracting worshippers and tourists alike.
● Access to Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
- Address: 2-11-3 Miyashita-cho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
- Official Website: www.kawagoehikawa.jp
- Nearest Stations:
JR Kawagoe Station (JR & Tobu Tojo Line)
Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)
From the stations, taking a bus is the most convenient option. - Google Maps：https://maps.app.goo.gl/mueCc7ZqRfQpn6Y57
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