Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

The Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is the chief guardian of Koedo (Little Edo) Kawagoe. Many visitors from all over Japan come here pray for a successful marriage. With a history dating back some 1,500 years, it’s known as a spiritual "power spot" for matchmaking because it enshrines the husband-and-wife and family deities. The 15-meter-high Myojin-type otorii, or grand gate, towering over the temple grounds, is one of the largest wooden structures in Japan. The temple grounds have enjoyable and photogenic attractions, such as the Enmusubi Furin (matchmaking wind chimes) summer festival and the Ema (prayer votive) Tunnel, which supposedly makes you want to fall in love as you walk through it.