Kawagoe Kumano Shrine is a historic Shinto shrine located in the “Little Edo” district of Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture. It is affiliated with the revered Kumano Sanzan shrines of Wakayama and is especially popular among visitors praying for good fortune, financial prosperity, and success in love and relationships.

Yatagarasu (The Three-Legged Crow):
The shrine’s sacred symbol represents divine guidance and choosing the correct life path. Interestingly, Yatagarasu is also the emblem of the Japan National Football Team — a fun trivia fact that makes it even more memorable. Visitors can find distinctive crow-themed charms and fortune slips unique to this shrine.

Zeniarai (Money Washing Ritual):
One of the shrine’s most popular activities, where visitors wash coins or paper bills in a sacred water basin to invite financial luck. Bamboo baskets (zaru) are typically provided so you can safely wash your money without worrying about dropping coins into the pond.

Ashifumi Road (Foot Massage Path):
Located near the entrance, this stone pathway stimulates pressure points on the soles of your feet. It is said that if you can walk across it without discomfort, you are in good health — a small but fun challenge for visitors.

Thanks to its convenient location near the historic Kurazukuri warehouse district, the shrine makes a perfect starting point before exploring Kawagoe’s old streets and sampling its famous sweet potato snacks.

• Hon-Kawagoe Station: Approximately 5-minute walk

• Kawagoe Station (JR / Tobu Tojo Line): Approximately 15-minute walk

• Visit in the morning to avoid crowds.

• Prepare coins or small bills for the money-washing ritual.

• Combine your visit with a stroll through the nearby Kurazukuri district.