SaitamaLeisure

Oyaba Hikawa Shrine (大谷場氷川神社)

About this spot

This old shrine in Minami Ward, Saitama City is known for having pheasants in place of the usual guardian lion-dogs. There are pheasant carvings on the main hall as well, and children become absorbed simply hunting for how many they can find in the grounds. Although it stands in the middle of town, it is surrounded by trees, and the grounds stay pleasantly cool even in summer. There are many shrines named Hikawa in Saitama Prefecture, and noticing that each has its own character is part of the fun. A visit just to pray takes only a short time, so it fits easily into the morning schedule.

Tips

There are gravel paths in the grounds, so a stroller is hard to push in places. A baby carrier makes moving around easier. It is a quiet place, so a word to the children beforehand about not running around is reassuring. The grounds can be crowded on festival days.