Hikawa Shrine

The Hikawa Shrine in Omiya is the head shrine of more than 280 Hikawa shrines across the Kanto plain and the Ichinomiya, the highest-ranked shrine, of the old Musashi province. Tradition dates its founding to the fifth century BC, though the earliest documents are eighth century. Its name shaped the district's own – Omiya means "great shrine". The two-kilometre Sando approach of cedars and cherry trees runs from the station through three torii into the shrine forest. Worshippers come to ask the deities Susanoo, Inadahime and Onamuchi for marriage and family blessings. New Year hatsumode draws over two million visitors, while March brings cherry blossom under the towering cedars.