氷川神社 is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of ice and water, located in Saitama Prefecture. The shrine's architecture reflects its regional kami, with wooden structures and tiled roofs characteristic of rural Japanese temples.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Tamayama-no-kami
- Kami enshrined
- Tamayama-no-kami
- Coordinates
- 35.7547438, 139.682643
Visitor tip
For visitors, it's recommended to bring a small gift of sake or sake-flavored sweets when visiting the shrine on New Year's Day (Oshogatsu) to honor the kami.
Cultural notes
氷川神社 is known for its connections to the mythology of Japanese rivers and waterways. In Shinto tradition, it's believed that the kami can be found in natural features such as rivers, mountains, and forests. Visitors can also participate in the shrine's annual Hikawa River Festival (Hikawa-gawa Matsuri), which celebrates the local river's spiritual significance.
Historical note
The shrine was established in the Heian period (794-1185 CE) and is believed to have been rebuilt during the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE).