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Oct. 7, 2026

Tokyo-to, Nakano-ku, Numabukuro 1-31-4  東京都中野区沼袋1-31-4

氷川神社

Hikawa Jinja

Homepage  (Japanese)

Nearest station: Numabukuro    Line: Seibu Shinjuku (SS06)

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Other Jinja in Nakano-ku featured on this site

This Hikawa Jinja is commonly referred to as Numabukuro Hikawa Jinja. It is one of those large and colourful jinja offering a respite from its concrete-heavy surroundings.​

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It is perhaps not unfair to say that most of its homepage is an 1,100 character eulogy to Susano-o-mitoko, the main enshrined kami at this and all other Hikawa Jinja. Something I learned from this is that he is said to have written Japan's oldest waka poem, "Yakumo Tatsu."

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The shrine probably dates to the mid-fourteenth century when it was spun off via the bunrei process from the Ichinomiya (main Provincial shrine) of Musashi Province, Hikawa Jinja in what is now Saitama-shi. It is said that in April 1477 Ota Dokan used it as his base when fighting the Battle of Ekoda and Numabukurohara and that as part of his prayer for victory he planted a cedar tree in the shrine grounds which grew to be some 30 metres tall before dying in 1942. Now only a stump is left.  

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The main hall was rebuilt in 1988 as part of the celebrations commemorating the 60th anniversary of Emperor Showa's accession, but it had to be rebuilt again in 1991. "Had to be rebuilt again" because on March 19, 1990 it was burnt down by an extreme left-wing group, the Chukaku-ha (中核派 ), protesting 

​the Emperor Showa celebrations.​​​​

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​Enshrined Kami:  

Main

(Note: numbers in parentheses after kami names

refer to position in How Many Kami table)

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Susano-o-no mikoto (57)   須佐之男命

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In-ground Subordinate Shrines:

Teno-Sha         天王社

Mitake Jinja    御嶽神社

Inari Jinja  稲荷神社

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​Annual Festival: 3rd Saturday and Sunday of August

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Nakano7

Rodsshinto is dedicated to sharing the beauty and depth of Japan's Shinto heritage. With over 2,000 years of history, we provide insights into shrines, deities, rituals, and their cultural significance. Explore the spiritual heart of Japan today.

© Rod Lucas 2016-2026

All text and photos by Lucas unless otherwise stated

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