Shakujii Hikawa Shrine

The shrine's origins date back to the Oei period (1394-1428) of the Muromachi era. It was initially established within the Shakujii Castle, built by the powerful Toshima clan, as a guardian deity of the area. Even after the fall of the castle, it continued to garner veneration as the principal protective shrine of the Shakujii district. To this day, it is affectionately known as "Shakujii's Ohikawa-sama" by the locals.

The enshrined deity is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, the valiant brother of the sun goddess Amaterasu, known for slaying the Yamata-no-Orochi dragon. As a god of strength and valor, he is believed to ward off evil and bestow various blessings, including protection from misfortune, marital harmony, household safety, and recovery from illness. The shrine is also deeply connected to the community, popular for Shichi-Go-San celebrations, weddings, and other significant life events. Prayers at the shrine do not require reservations and can be performed on the same day. The shrine also conducts off-site ceremonies like ground-breaking rituals, completion celebrations, and house purifications.

The annual festival held on the third Sunday of October attracts many visitors, with around 50 stalls setting up in the area. Other events throughout the year include the New Year's Day festival, Setsubun festival in February, the "I no Ichi" craft market in May, the "Nagoshi-no-Harae" summer purification ritual on July 1st, the "Chaga-Uma" Tanabata festival on the first Sunday of August, the "Isshin Naki Sumo" (baby crying sumo) on the third Sunday of August, and the "Shinjosai" harvest festival on November 23rd.