Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine Travel Guide

Everyone’s looking for love — well, pretty much everyone who comes to Kawagoe Hiwaka Shrine, at least. That’s because the gods who have set up shop here hold the power over love and marriage, so you better stay on their good side!

The shrine was built over 1500 years ago, and houses five deities in total. Among the five, there are two married couples (meaning the last is just a divine fifth wheel tagging along on their double date). That’s why the temple is traditionally associated with solid matchmaking which stands the test of time.

If you want to appease these Japanese cupids, taking a trip to visit them in northwest Saitama is a good start. At the shrine, you’ll see people hanging wooden ema prayer boards on wooden frames so their romantic wishes will come true; fish-shaped fortune slips which outline what the gods of love have in store for you; and a river where it’s said you can purify your soul.

And if none of that works in the end, there’s always Tinder.