Kawagoe Kumano Shrine
熊野神社（川越）
A shrine cherished for match-making, good fortune, and warding off misfortune, located just next to Renkeiji Temple. It is said to have begun in 1590 (Tensho 18) when Nen'yo Bunno Sojo, the second head priest of the neighboring Renkeiji, invited a divided spirit from Kumano Hongu Taisha in the Kishu region. The enshrined deities include Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto along with four other Kumano deities, and in 1713 (Shotoku 3) the main hall was rebuilt and the torii gate was rebuilt in stone. The shrine offers a range of unique, hands-on attractions throughout its grounds, including charms related to the three-legged crow (Yatagarasu), a 'Healthy Footpath' where visitors walk barefoot over small stones to pray for health, ring-toss for fortune-telling, the 'Petting Snake' statue said to bring blessings when rubbed, and a coin-washing Benzaiten shrine, making it popular among younger visitors seeking goshuin (shrine seal) collecting and matchmaking prayers. Its convenient location, easy to combine with a visit to Ichibangai and Renkeiji, is also part of its appeal.
Highlights
The 'Healthy Footpath,' lined with small stones beside the approach, is a unique attraction where visitors walk barefoot to stimulate the soles of their feet and pray for good health. There are also other hands-on attractions throughout the grounds, including ring-toss for fortune-telling, the 'Petting Snake' statue said to bring blessings when rubbed, and a coin-washing Benzaiten shrine.
History
The shrine began in 1590 (Tensho 18) when Nen'yo Bunno Sojo, the second head priest of Renkeiji, invited a divided spirit from Kumano in the Kishu region. It has since been revered as the guardian deity of the local Matsugo area, and in 1713 (Shotoku 3) the main hall was rebuilt and the torii gate was rebuilt in stone. It continues to be deeply worshipped today as a shrine for matchmaking and good fortune.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 20-30 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Many visitors come to pray for matchmaking, so it can be somewhat crowded on weekends
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings allow for a calm visit
| Address | 17-1 Renjaku-cho, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama |
|---|---|
| Hours | Mon-Fri 9:30 am - 5:00 pm, Sat/Sun/Holidays 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 7 min walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line)