Chinju Hikawa Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Chinju Hikawa Shrine is a traditional Shinto shrine in Aoki, Japan, featuring simple wooden buildings and a large wooden torii gate at the entrance. The grounds are laid out with stone lanterns, gravel pathways, and lined with trees, with white banners and fluttering paper strips marking sacred areas throughout.
Founded in the early Muromachi period, during the Ōei era, the shrine served as the tutelary shrine of the former Shimo-Aoki village. The main hall and worship hall were rebuilt in 1884, and by July 1907 a series of small local shrines had been merged into it. The 1923 Great Kantō earthquake toppled the worship hall and torii, both rebuilt in 1927; the current shrine buildings date from 1986.
The shrine's annual Reitaisai falls on 20 October, and the Kinen-sai harvest-prayer rite on 1 March. A painting by artist Yokoo Tadanori, "Jiritsu no Honoo" (Flame of Self-Reliance), is dedicated at the shrine. The grounds also serve the affiliated shrines Kamiaoki Hikawa, Asahi Hikawa and Ryoike Inari.
Chinju Hikawa Shrine is at 5-18-48 Aoki, Kawaguchi, Saitama, about a 15-minute walk from Nishi-Kawaguchi Station on the Keihin-Tohoku Line. The shrine also serves Ue-Aoki Hikawa Shrine, Asahi Hikawa Shrine and Ryoke Inari Shrine. The annual Reitaisai is held on 20 October, and the Kinen-sai on 1 March.
The shrine holds a painting by artist Tadanori Yokoo, "Flame of Independence", donated as an offering. The shrine also served as the tutelary shrine of the former Shimo-Aoki village and as the village shrine of old Aoki village. Its annual grand festival is held on 20 October.
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