Chichibu Shrine is located in Banba-cho, Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. It is a shiki-uchi-sha, the fourth shrine in Musashi Province. Formerly a small shrine under the national government, it is now an annexed shrine of the Jinja Honcho (Agency of Shinto Religion).
It is the chief deity of the Chichibu region. Known for the Chichibu Night Festival held in December, the Chichibu Night Festival (Chichibu Festival floats and Kagura) is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage as one of the “Yama, Hoko, Yatai events” (a total of 33 events from 18 prefectures).
Nikko Toshogu Shrine is well-known for its “three monkeys” (see no evil, speak no evil, hear no evil).
Chichibu Shrine in Chichibu, Saitama Prefecture, also has three monkeys.
However, the monkeys at Chichibu Shrine have a completely different meaning from those at Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
In this article, we would like to introduce you to the three monkeys of Chichibu Shrine and the red seal available here
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What is Chichibu Shrine?
The shrine is located in Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture, and is designated as an important cultural property of Saitama Prefecture.
The shrine is said to be blessed with good luck for academic achievement and success in school, and most of the ema (votive picture tablet) displayed in the precincts of the shrine are related to examinations and tests.
Chichibu Shrine is one of the “Chichibu Sanja” (three shrines in Chichibu) along with Mitsumine Shrine and Hodosan Shrine.
If you are going to Chichibu Shrine as well, it is a good idea to visit the other two shrines as well.
Red Seal of Chichibu Shrine
Red seals can be written at the shrine office next to the main hall.
Red seals are accepted daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Although I have not actually experienced this, I have heard that you may have to wait 20 to 30 minutes depending on the time of year.
In front of the shrine office, there is an unusual omikuji called “mizu- fortune-telling,” in which characters come to life when the omikuji is dipped in water.
There is a pond on the shrine grounds where subterranean water from Mt.
Access to Chichibu Shrine
Address: 1-3 Banba-cho, Chichibu-shi, Saitama
Access 15 min. walk from Seibu-Chichibu Station on Seibu-Chichibu Line, 3 min. walk from Chichibu Station on Chichibu Railway Line.
Taking LaVue to Chichibu is the way to go!
The Laview, an express train running on the Seibu Line, is the best way to travel around the Chichibu area, including Chichibu Shrine!
Official website
http://www.chichibu-jinja.or.jp/
