Eastern Saitama · History
Washinomiya Shrine
Ancient traditions and a much-loved anime pilgrimage.
Regarded as one of the Kanto region’s oldest major shrines, Washinomiya preserves the Saibara Kagura dance tradition, an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property. Its appearance in Lucky Star made it an early landmark for anime pilgrimages. New Year visits and the September Haji Festival bring a lively atmosphere.
Plan your visit
- Getting there
- About 10 min on foot from Washinomiya Station (Tobu Isesaki Line)
- From Tokyo Station
- About 75–100 minTokyo → JR Ueno-Tokyo / Utsunomiya Line to Kuki → Tobu Isesaki Line to Washinomiya → about 8 min on foot
An estimate for the transport shown, including transfers and walking. Waiting times and congestion vary; check a route for your departure time.
Public transport routeAccess and booking checked
- Opening hours
- Shrine enquiries: 09:00–16:00. Confirm visiting and amulet-counter hours, including festival-related changes, with the shrine.
- Admission
- Admission to the shrine grounds is free. Ask the shrine about offerings for prayer services and amulets.
- Time to enjoy
- 45 minutes
- Best time
- Year-round; New Year and the September Haji Festival
Hours and fees checked
Opening hours and events may change. Please check the latest details before visiting.
Reference photo and illustration
AI-generated illustration based on a photograph, with reinterpreted colors and details.
Washimiyajinja honden.jpg — Ocdp · CC BY-SA 3.0
The illustration adapted from this photo is also provided under CC BY-SA 3.0.
