Musashi Ichinomiya Hikawa Shrine in Omiya is one of Japan's most visited Shinto shrines and transforms magnificently during the winter season, when paper lanterns, stone pathway lights, and seasonal illumination decorate the 2-kilometre-long approach road (sando) lined with towering cedar trees. The shrine receives among the highest Hatsumode (first shrine visit of the New Year) attendance in the Kanto region, with over 2 million visitors in the first three days of January. The illuminated sando creates a magical procession experience, and the shrine's pond and torii gates are reflected in still water beneath warm winter lighting. Portable food stalls and seasonal vendors line the approach during the new year period.
- Type
- Festival
- Category
- Snow/Winter
- Season
- Winter
- Month
- December to January
- Region
- Kanto
- Prefecture
- Saitama
- City
- Saitama (Omiya)
Highlights
- ◆2 km cedar-lined illuminated approach road
- ◆Over 2 million Hatsumode visitors each New Year
- ◆Lanterns and seasonal lights on historic torii gates
- ◆Pond reflections of illuminated shrine structures
- ◆Seasonal food stalls along the sando