This shrine near Chichibu Station was rebuilt by Tokugawa Ieyasu. A spring from Chichibu flows through the shrine grounds, and there is an interesting water fortune-telling ceremony in which characters appear when the shrine is dipped in the water. There is also an objet d'art lurking at the bottom of the clear water in the hand-watering basin. The four sides of the main shrine are decorated with magnificent carvings, and visitors can enjoy walking around the main shrine after praying. Among them is a parent's guide to child rearing, "Do not let the baby out of your skin," inscribed with the words, "A child is a treasure, a tiger for raising children," by the Edo period master craftsman Jingoro Sa. Don't let go of your infant's hand. Keep your eyes on the child. Don't let go of your heart to the young.
The shrine is beautiful with very nice wooden painting and carving on the entire building. It can get very crowded during the new year week. There are a lot of street food stalls during this time. Some traditional Japanese Shinto ceremonies are also carried out around this time.
Chichibu Shrine enshrines several deities, including Yagokoro-omoikane-no-mikoto, Amenokoyane-no-mikoto, and others, who are believed to protect the local area and its people.
The Chichibu Night Festival features elaborate floats called "yatai," adorned with lanterns and accompanied by traditional music and dance. It is one of Japan's three major float festivals, along with the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto and the Takayama Matsuri in Gifu.
Throughout the year, Chichibu Shrine hosts various traditional ceremonies, including New Year’s celebrations, Setsubun (bean-throwing festival), and Shinto purification rituals.
In addition to the main hall and intricate carvings, visitors can explore the sacred tree, a picturesque bridge, and several smaller shrines dedicated to different deities.
No, visiting Chichibu Shrine is free of charge, although donations are appreciated to help maintain the shrine and its activities.
