Wishing for summer romance in Kawagoe, Little Edo

When you think of Kawagoe in summer, you think of the charming streetscape of storehouses and Hikawa Shrine, where the sound of wind chimes rings out. This time, I'll share my experience of going to see the wind chimes with a friend, wearing yukata, and praying for love.

As I walked through the streets of Asakusa at dusk, people in yukata came and went, and a nostalgic breeze blew. I was wearing a pale wisteria kimono with a goldfish-patterned obi. I was wearing geta sandals, which I was a little unfamiliar with. But even that inconvenience felt like part of the charm.

On the way from Kawagoe Station to Hikawa Shrine, walking through the storehouse-style shopping street in a yukata makes you feel like you've traveled back in time.
Locals and tourists alike would say to me, "Your yukata is lovely," and although I felt a little embarrassed, it was a very happy moment.
Along the way, we stopped at Kashiya Yokocho, where we enjoyed some nostalgic Ramune soda and hand-baked rice crackers, and discovered plenty of photogenic spots!

In the evening, we finally head to Hikawa Shrine. As we enter the shrine grounds, the Wind Chime Corridor, lined with countless wind chimes, spreads out before us.
Every time the wind blows, a gentle rustling sound echoes, making you feel as if your wishes are reaching the sky.

Each wind chime had a strip of paper attached to it, with various wishes written on it, such as success in love or family happiness. We also wrote our wishes on strips of paper and hung them up. Being surrounded by the sound of the wind chimes while wearing yukata was a moment that truly made us feel like we were in Japanese summer.

How to get to Hikawa Shrine
Address: 2-11-3 Miyashitacho, Kawagoe City, Saitama Prefecture
Nearest station: JR Kawagoe Station or Tobu Tojo Line Kawagoe Station
How to get there:
Take the Tobu bus from Kawagoe Station and get off at "Hikawa Jinja-mae" (approx. 10 minutes)
It takes about 25 minutes on foot (we recommend taking a stroll while enjoying the kurazukuri streetscape)
Event period: Saturday, June 28th, 2025 to Monday, September 15th (National Holiday)

Conclusion: A summer connection forged by wind chimes
Visiting Kawagoe's Enmusubi Wind Chimes in a yukata was more than just sightseeing; it was a soul-cleansing experience.
Make a wish through the sound of the wind chimes and deepen your bond with your loved ones - why not try experiencing this summer memory for yourself?