Hizaore-no-Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Iwatsuki, Saitama Prefecture. The shrine's name translates to 'the place where the knees are bent', and it is believed to be dedicated to the kami of water, particularly the god of ice and snow. According to local legend, the shrine was built on the site where a legendary woman named Hizaore was frozen in time by a samurai who was searching for her. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to water, with a distinctive curved roofline that resembles a wave. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a small pond and a traditional torii gate.
- 宗教
- shinto
- 祭神
- Hachiman
- 祀られている神
- Hachiman, Hizaore
- 座標
- 35.7870073, 139.5822416
参拝のヒント
To make the most of your visit, try to arrive during cherry blossom season (March-April) or autumn foliage (November-December), when the grounds are especially beautiful. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the small pond.
文化的背景
Hizaore is said to be a yuki-onna, or 'snow woman', who appears in Japanese folklore as a harbinger of winter. According to legend, she was a beautiful servant who froze to death while searching for her master's lost gloves. The shrine's dedication to Hizaore reflects its role as a guardian of the local community and a protector against the dangers of winter.
歴史
The shrine dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when it was built as a local shrine dedicated to Hizaore and other regional deities.