Get refreshed in mysterious space! 3 recommended shrines and temples have watched over Urawa since ancient times

Urawa Ward in Saitama Prefecture was a place that flourished as a post town because a palace was built for Ieyasu Tokugawa during the Edo period. He stayed here on the way to a destination for falconry. In the Meiji period, the prefectural office was constructed, and now, it’s the political and economic center of Saitama. For that reason, while there are shopping complexes such as PARCO and atre around the main station ‘Urawa Station,’ old townscape is preserved along the Nakasendo Route. There are not only old-established stores and eateries but also shrines and temples with a long history, so you can easily get in touch with Urawa’s history.

This time, we’re going to introduce 3 recommended historical shrines and temples with a calm atmosphere from among ones near Urawa Station.

Lots of rabbits welcome you! Unique “Tsuki Shrine” without any Torii gates

Called ‘Tsukinomiyasama (a palace in the moon)’ by local people, “Tsuki Shrine (調神社)” is said to be built about 2,000 years ago. To our surprise, it doesn’t have any Torii gates which are normally installed at shrines. At the time of its construction, this shrine was build in a place full of warehouses where something dedicated to Ise Jingu was stored, and Torii gates were not installed not to hinder carrying in and out. In addition, we recommend that you look for rabbit-shaped stone statues and carvings hiding in Ema (votive picture), a pond and so on. ‘調’ is pronounced ‘tsuki’ like ‘月’ meaning moon in Japanese, so the rabbit which is believed as the symbol of the moon welcomes visitors. By the way, this shrine is also famous as a spiritual spot bringing visitors good luck making them win a game. It seems that a Japanese professional football club based in Saitama city ‘URAWA RED DIAMONDS’ visits here to pray for their winning.

Opening Hours	24 hours／Reception hours for praying is from 9:00AM to 4:00PM
Address	3 Kishi-cho, Urawa Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
Access	A 7-minute walk from Urawa Washington Hotel
URL	https://www.stib.jp/saitamacity-visitorsguide/spots/tsuki/

“Gyokuzo-in Temple” with a nostalgic atmosphere where you can see 8 tangible cultural properties

“Gyokuzo-in Temple (玉蔵院)” was built by Kukai, who had founded Shingon Buddhism in Japan, in the early Heian period. The stone pavement leading to this temple creates a retro ambiance making you feel as if you’re at the time of foundation. Stepping into the large precinct, you can find 3 Saitama prefecture’s tangible cultural properties and 5 Saitama city’s ones. Especially, old wooden buildings such as imposing ‘Jizodo Hall’ and Sanmon gate allow you to feel a long history which they have watched over. Moreover, weeping cherry with over 100 years of history is also one of the best charms. Although the blooming season is late-March, it has a stately presence and a strong life force without blooming.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 4:30PM
Address	2-13-22 Naka-cho, Urawa Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
Access	A 4-minute walk from Urawa Washington Hotel
URL	https://www.stib.jp/info/data/gyokuzoin.html

“Motobuto Hikawa Shrine” used to be the political center spot

“Motobuto Hikawa Shrine (本太氷川神社)” is said to be built approximately 1,500 years ago (the year of foundation is unknown). The word ‘元府趾 (Motofuto)’ is written on the Torii gate which was donated by Takasone clan who were Jito (land steward), so it is also called ‘Motofuto Hikawa Shrine (元府趾氷川神社).’ By the way, ‘元府趾’ means a place where a local branch of the Japanese government is located, and it turns out that this shrine used to be the political center of the Musashino area. In the precinct, there are 2 Saitama prefecture’s tangible cultural properties: ‘Kyu-Honden (Old Main Hall)’ made in the Muromachi period and ‘Kyuden (Palace)’ made in the early Edo period. The latter is open to the public and sure to fascinate you with a solemn and solid atmosphere.

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 5:00PM
Address	4-3-33 Motobuto, Urawa Ward, Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture
Access	A 15-minute walk from Urawa Washington Hotel
URL	http://www.saitama-jinjacho.or.jp/shrine/9109/