Hikawa Shrine Blessing and Ema Prayer Experience in Nakano
Nakano's Numabukuro Hikawa Shrine is a tranquil and historic site. It is home to the "Three Wishes Pine," where tying an ema (wooden prayer plaque) is believed to grant three wishes. The tour offers a unique opportunity to experience a traditional Shinto ritual inside the shrine's main hall, which is typically closed to the public. After the blessing, participants can write and dedicate their ema. The shrine also features the Seven Lucky Gods and has become popular among anime fans as it appears in series like Demon Slayer and Tokyo Revengers. The tour includes a prayer ritual, an ema dedication, and omamori (protective amulet) as souvenirs, providing a rich blend of Japanese tradition and pop culture.
Religious Considerations: While this tour involves Shinto rituals, participation in religious activities is optional. Visitors of different faiths can observe the rituals without fully participating. Respect for the practices and customs of the shrine is appreciated.
Options
Hikawa Shrine Blessing and Ema Prayer Experience in Nakano
What's included in Hikawa Shrine Blessing and Ema Prayer Experience in Nakano
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
The meeting point is in front of the south exit ticket gate. A guide holding a sign that says 'KOIKOI JAPAN CULTURE TOUR' will be there. Following the guide's lead, you will proceed to the destination, Numabukuro Shrine.
Numabukuro Hikawa Shrine
Numabukuro Hikawa Shrine is a quiet and beautiful historic shrine located in Nakano Ward. In the shrine grounds, there is the 'Three Wishes Pine,' which is said to grant three wishes when a votive tablet (ema) is tied to it. Visitors can participate in traditional Japanese rituals through a prayer experience inside the sanctuary, which is usually closed to the public. After the prayer, visitors will dedicate their ema and be guided through the grounds by the head priest. The shrine also houses the Seven Lucky Gods, where prayers for encounters and prosperity can be offered. Lastly, participants will receive both a protective charm (omamori) and a sacred ofuda as souvenirs. Recently, it has gained popularity among anime fans due to its appearance in shows like 'Demon Slayer' and 'Tokyo Revengers.' This unique experience blends traditional culture with pop culture, offering a distinctive atmosphere in the heart of the city.
We will escort you from the shrine back to the station.
Inclusions
- Guide for 1 hours
- Offering fee (prayer fee)
- Protective charm (omamori)
- Ema (votive tablet)
- Ofuda (shrine talisman)
- meals and drinks
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- There will be a staff member holding a sign that says 'KOIKOI JAPAN CULTURE TOUR' at the south exit of Numabukuro Station.
