Place of worship • 1-chōme-2-4 Miyamotochō, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-1143, Japan
Tokorozawa Shinmeisha is a historic shrine located in the center of Tokorozawa City, Saitama Prefecture. Although the exact date of its founding is unknown, the presence of a zelkova tree over 1,000 years old on the approach suggests it has existed since at least the Nara period. Revered as the 'Ise-sama of Musashi Province,' it has been beloved by local people as Tokorozawa’s chief guardian shrine.
Legend has it that during his conquest of the eastern countries, Yamato Takeru enshrined Amaterasu Omikami here and prayed for victory, marking the beginning of the shrine. The deities enshrined are Amaterasu Omikami, Kuraokami no Okami, and Okami, revered as the guardian deities of Tokorozawa's central area.
The main and worship halls exhibit the dignified appearance of Shinmei architecture, greeting worshippers with a solemn atmosphere.
Among the many auxiliary shrines, the 'Toriokashi Shrine' is particularly popular. Created in 2011 to commemorate Tokorozawa as the birthplace of Japanese aviation, it attracts many aviation professionals who pray for flight safety.
The sound of numerous wind chimes around the Chozuya purifies the hearts of worshippers. During summer, their refreshing tones resonate through the sanctuary.
Throughout the year, Tokorozawa Shinmeisha hosts various events such as the New Year's Festival, Setsubun Festival, and Tanabata Festival. Special prayers can be held with shrine visits and on-site festivals for those with specific wishes.
For those with a passion for collecting Goshinbo, both Tokorozawa Shinmeisha and Toriokashi Shrine offer handwritten Goshinbo, imbued with a sense of history in every stroke.
A 10-minute walk from Seibu Shinjuku Line Koku Park Station, it is easily accessible. Worship hours are from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, accessible year-round.
Tokorozawa Shinmeisha is a sacred place where timeless history and modern faith harmoniously coexist. As a spot to experience Tokorozawa’s history and culture, it’s a must-visit for both locals and tourists. Cleanse your heart in its serene environment and enjoy a valuable experience of traditional Japanese culture.
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