Chichibu Shrine

Chichibu Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. It serves as the chief guardian shrine of the Chichibu region and is one of the three major shrines collectively known as the Chichibu Three Shrines, along with Mitsumine Shrine and Hodosan Shrine. The Chichibu Night Festival held in December is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is a world-famous tourism event. With a history of over 2,000 years, the shrine’s main hall, rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu, can still be freely viewed today. Visitors should not miss the exquisite carvings attributed to Hidari Jingoro, including “The Child-Rearing Tiger,” “The North Star Owl,” “The Tied Dragon,” and “The Energetic Three Monkeys.” The shrine is believed to grant blessings for academic success, passing examinations, good fortune, household safety, and prosperity of descendants. It is also known as a pilgrimage site for anime fans and has gained fame as a sacred location for the series “Anohana.” A unique attraction is the water fortune-telling slip, which uses spring water from Mount Buko and costs 200 yen. Chichibu Shrine is a 3-minute walk from Chichibu Station on the Chichibu Railway. Visiting all three Chichibu Shrines is said to bring success in love, making it a popular power spot among young visitors.