Located in the prefecture of Saitama, the Shrine of Hakubin Hime no Okami is dedicated to the Shinto goddess of fertility and prosperity. Its main temple was built during the Edo period in 1878, but archaeological evidence suggests that a smaller shrine stood on this site as far back as the Heian era. The shrine's name, 'Hakubin', means 'one hundred thousand daughters' in Japanese, possibly referencing the large number of girls born to women who have visited the shrine for blessings. Visitors can still see remnants of the old shrine's wooden buildings and gates.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hakubin Hime no Okami
- Kami enshrined
- Hakubin Hime no Okami
- Coordinates
- 35.9219942, 139.6238064
Visitor tip
For those interested in photography, try visiting during golden hour or early morning when the light casts a warm glow over the shrine's beautiful gardens and historic buildings.
Cultural notes
As a fertility goddess, Hakubin Hime no Okami is often invoked by women seeking blessings for marriage, childbirth, and family growth. The shrine also hosts an annual festival in May to celebrate the goddess's powers, featuring traditional music, dance, and food stalls.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt after World War II as part of a national effort to restore traditional shrines across Japan.