Hikawa Shrine

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Hikawa shrine
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Hikawa shrine

Hikawa shrine (氷川神社 Hikawa Jinja?) in the Omiya district of Saitama is a major Shinto shrine. Standing behind 3 torii gates in a wood with many ancient Japanese elms, it claims to have a 2400 year history. Surrounding the shrine is a large park in which there are many cherry blossom trees, a zoo and a museum.

As many as 290 daughter shrines exist across Japan, all named 'Hikawa'. Most are small but all enshrine the same kami.

Omiya itself, literally 'Great Shrine', derives its name from this shrine.

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