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In the city of Kawagoe, where the Edo-period charm permeates the kura-style streets and the sound of the Toki no Kane bell resonates, a step off the bustling main street reveals unexpected discoveries.
Turn down a narrow alley, pass through a quiet residential area, and you’ll suddenly encounter a torii gate. Beyond it lies a mystical space that feels like a gateway to another world. This is Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.
The moment you step into the shrine grounds, a strange silence envelops you. The rustling of leaves in the wind, the chirping of birds from nowhere, and the vivid colors that catch your eye—this shrine has a unique atmosphere not found elsewhere. It’s serene yet colorful, solemn yet vibrant. What is it about this place? Why has it been beloved by the locals for so long?
Because it’s not widely known as a tourist spot, only the locals can truly convey its charm. With this in mind, I’m putting pen to paper to share it with you.
Introducing Kawagoe Kumano Shrine, a place sure to fill your Kawagoe journey with unexpected discoveries and emotions.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine is a historic shrine located in Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture. It was enshrined in 1590 from Kumano in the Kii Province and has long been revered by locals as a god of good fortune, matchmaking, and warding off evil.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine is a historic shrine enshrined in 1590 from Kumano in the Kii Province. It is said to bring good fortune, matchmaking, and protection from evil.
The Yatagarasu, the symbol of this shrine, is a very intriguing presence. The Yatagarasu is a sacred bird that serves the gods of Kumano and has been revered in Japan for centuries.
The Yatagarasu has several wonderful meanings:
Symbol of Hope: The Yatagarasu is said to be the bird that brings dawn. In other words, it is believed to guide you from darkness to light, leading you to a brighter future when you’re troubled in life.
Guide: There is a story that when Emperor Jimmu got lost, the Yatagarasu guided him. Therefore, it is worshipped as a god that guides people.
Symbol of Harmony: The Yatagarasu is often depicted with three legs. These three legs represent “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity,” symbolizing harmony between gods, nature, and humans.
Bearer of Good Fortune: Due to its mystical power, the Yatagarasu is also believed to bring good fortune.
The grounds of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine are relatively compact, but they are packed with sights to see.
Nade Hebi-sama is a god that grants wishes. By stroking the Nade Hebi-sama sitting on either side, your wishes will be granted. The benefits vary depending on where you stroke.
| Place to Stroke | Blessings |
|---|---|
| Head | Academic success, guaranteed victory |
| Scroll | Improvement in arts, wisdom |
| Body | Good health, recovery from illness |
| Egg | Wealth, business prosperity, promotion, good luck, safe childbirth |
| Both Snakes Simultaneously | Good relationships, marital harmony, family safety |
The shrine dedicated to Nade Hebi-sama is full of mini snake statues, which are quite cute.
Musubi no Niwa features Nagi and Sakaki trees granted by Kumano Hongu Taisha. A Yatagarasu relief that was prayed for at Kumano Hongu Taisha is also enshrined here, allowing you to receive words and power from Yatagarasu-sama.
By the way, the worship procedure differs depending on whether you’re visiting alone, with family, or as a couple. It’s rare to find a couple-specific worship procedure, isn’t it? Be sure to try it out.
Next to the Treasure Pond (Benten Pond) at Kumano Shrine is Itsukushima Shrine, where Benzaiten-sama is enshrined. After praying at Itsukushima Shrine, washing coins in this Treasure Pond is said to bring blessings of wealth.
Wish-fulfilling fortune (the luck to achieve your strongest desires), wealth, health, work/study, and love. Which of these fortunes are you most interested in right now? Are you curious to see if your luck is high or low?
At Kumano Shrine, you can test your luck with a ring toss. On the right side of the ring toss area is Kayu Inari, where you should offer at least 10 yen to gain the right to participate in the ring toss.
You can throw three rings, and if even one lands, it is said that your luck is on the rise. The stronger you focus your thoughts, the higher the chances of success. Give it a try and see for yourself.
The hand-washing pavilion at Kawagoe Kumano Shrine is beautifully decorated according to the seasons, creating a gorgeous and atmospheric spot.
Even when the use of the hand-washing pavilion was suspended during the pandemic, it was decorated and became a beautiful photo spot known as “Koi Temizu.”
Currently, the Koi Temizu event has ended, and the hand-washing pavilion is back to its original use.
Along the approach to Kumano Shrine, there is a foot massage path. This stone-paved path stimulates the pressure points on your feet when you walk on it barefoot, offering the benefit of relieving fatigue.
However, be warned: for some, the path can be truly painful. Prepare yourself before taking on the challenge. In winter, the handrails are extremely cold, so grabbing them with bare hands can be a torturous experience.
Kumano Shrine’s omikuji (fortune slips) lineup is one of the most extensive in the Kanto region. There are more than 20 types of omikuji available.
It’s quite an impressive number of omikuji, isn’t it? There are at least 25 types visible in the photos alone.
From the standard omikuji to love fortunes, flower fortunes, and even English omikuji, the selection is vast. Some omikuji even come with protective charms from the shrine office if you draw a bad fortune.
When you visit the shrine, drawing omikuji is a must. Take your time to choose one, or try your luck with several that catch your eye. Enjoy your time at the shrine.
The official Instagram of Kawagoe Kumano Shrine features the popular “Miko-san Diary.” Posting about the changing seasons and events, the beautiful photos of Japan’s four seasons and the shrine’s decorations have gained a growing fan base, especially among the locals.
Instagram - Kawagoe Kumano Shrine Official
When you visit Kawagoe Kumano Shrine, you will find your heart mysteriously calm. Spending time in the serene shrine grounds, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, allows you to feel your daily worries and anxieties slowly melt away.
Cleanse yourself at the stylish hand-washing pavilion, feel the mystical power of the Yatagarasu, make a wish with Nade Hebi-sama, and draw a fortune slip. It’s a place where you can reflect on yourself and find the courage to take a new step forward. This is Kawagoe Kumano Shrine.
When visiting Kawagoe, be sure to stop by Kumano Shrine. Along with the kura-style streets and the Toki no Kane, this hidden gem will add color to your travel memories. By the time you leave, your heart will likely feel a little lighter.
Kawagoe Kumano Shrine is a special place that gently supports your heart and gives you a push forward. May the time you spend at this shrine bring new light into your life.
