Kawagoe Hachimangu Shrine
Kawagoe Hachimangū Shrine is believed to have a history of about one thousand years and is worshipped as a “god of shobu” (literally “win-lose;” the god is a guardian of games, matches or any kind of contest).
On the shrine’s precincts are many points of interest, such as a large ginkgo tree believed to answer to prayers for finding significant others; the subsidiary shrine Mimbu Inari, which is believed to answer to prayers for healthy legs and loins; and the Guchikiki-sama (literally, “complaint listener” with “sama” for respect), which is a statue of Prince Shotoku that is believed to calm the feelings of those who share their troubles to it.
The temple hosts many events throughout the year, including festivals and children’s sumo competitions.
