Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine

Overview

Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine was founded in 1030 (Chogen era) by Minamoto no Yorinobu. Yorinobu built the shrine to pray for victory in suppressing the Taira no Tadatsuna rebellion. Later, Minamoto no Yoritomo, the first shogun of the Kamakura Shogunate, donated the area to the Ishi清水八幡宮 Shrine. As a result, Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine became a branch shrine of Ishi清水八幡宮. When Kawagoe Castle was built, Ota Dokan enshrined a branch of the shrine's sacred spirit as the guardian deity of the castle, thus making Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine deeply connected to Kawagoe's history. On the grounds stands a pair of ginkgo trees, known as "fufu icho" (husband and wife ginkgo), planted in 1933 (Showa 8) to commemorate the birth of Emperor Akihito. These trees are believed to bring good fortune in finding a partner and marital happiness, and are beloved by many worshippers. Also on the grounds is Minbu Inari Shrine (Sumo Inari), a subsidiary shrine known for its blessings of strong legs and feet, making it popular among Hakone Ekiden runners. Kawagoe Hachiman Shrine is recommended for those interested in history and those seeking power spots. There are many other attractions within the shrine grounds, so please do visit.