Koma Shrine

Koma Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture. It enshrines Koma no Kō Jakko, a royal figure who migrated from the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo (Korea) to Japan, making it a rare shrine in Japan dedicated to a Korean royal lineage. Goguryeo was a great power that prospered across the Korean Peninsula and parts of China until 668 CE, and it is said that people from that culture brought knowledge and traditions to Japan. After Goguryeo fell, the title of “King of Koma” continued in Japan, and together with 1,799 Koma people in Koma District, they supported the shrine over generations. Even today, descendants of Jakko serve as the shrine’s chief priests. The shrine came to be known as “Shusse Myojin” (the deity of career success) after stories such as Prime Minister Ichiro Hatoyama and others visiting before attaining high office, and it is now popular as a power spot for career advancement. In particular, strong luck for advancement is said to flow between the two guardian lion-dog statues, and many visitors pause there. Koma Shrine is believed to bring blessings for success and good fortune, business prosperity, prosperity of descendants, and longevity. Its goshuin stamp books are also popular, drawing many young women who enjoy collecting them. Access to Koma Shrine is about a 20-minute walk from JR Komagawa Station.