Miyoshino Shrine
三芳野神社
The guardian shrine of Kawagoe Castle, standing quietly amid trees right next to the Honmaru Goten (main citadel palace) of Kawagoe Castle. In addition to Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, it enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, and is said to have been rebuilt in 1624 (Kan'ei 1) by Sakai Tadakatsu, lord of the Kawagoe domain. There is a theory that the approach to this shrine was the setting for the children's song 'Toryanse,' making it known as the song's birthplace. Because it once stood within the castle grounds, general worship was difficult, and it is said that visitors had to pass along the narrow approach while being wary of the castle's patrolling guards—a memory said to remain in the lyric 'going is fine, but coming back is scary.' Since it enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, it is also called the 'Tenjin-sama of the Castle,' and is visited by students hoping for success in their studies. Though modest in size, it is a valuable historic site conveying both the history of Kawagoe Castle and the culture of Japanese children's songs to this day.
Highlights
A small shrine standing quietly about a two-minute walk from the Honmaru Goten. On the grounds is an explanatory panel related to the lyrics of 'Toryanse,' letting visitors truly feel that this is the birthplace of the children's song. Since it enshrines Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning, votive plaques praying for exam success can also be seen.
History
The details of its founding are unknown, but it has long been enshrined as the guardian shrine of Kawagoe Castle, and is said to have been rebuilt in 1624 (Kan'ei 1) by the castle lord Sakai Tadakatsu. Because it was located within the castle grounds, general worship was restricted, and there is a theory that this unusual location gave rise to the lyrics of 'Toryanse.' No priest is stationed permanently, and goshuin (shrine seals) are handled at Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
Visit Tips
- Suggested duration
- About 10 minutes
- Crowd levels
- Many visitors come here together with a visit to the Honmaru Goten, so it can be somewhat crowded on weekends
- Best time to visit
- A morning visit timed with the Honmaru Goten's opening hours (9:00 am - 5:00 pm) is recommended
| Address | 2-25-11 Kuruwamachi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open for worship at any time (no shrine office) |
| Admission | Free |
| Official Website | Visit official website |
Access
- 25 min walk from Hon-Kawagoe Station (Seibu Shinjuku Line (if using the bus, get off at 'Kitain-mae' and walk 5 minutes))