Every July, Kawaguchi’s Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine displays scores of colorful goldfish lanterns (金魚ちょうちん) under the eaves of the gate and front of the shrine. They are not lanterns in the typical sense, but more of a lantern-shaped paper goldfish decoration. During the same period at the goldfish lanterns the shrine’s Natsumode (夏詣) season; a modern tradition of visiting shrines in July and August to give thanks for the first half of the year and pray for a safe summer. This shrine is also known for its colorful ‘hanachozu’, purifying fonts with flowers floating on the water. In addition, the shrine sells special natsumode goshuin (shrine stamps) and conducts various rituals and ceremonies…
Summer at Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine
Highlights of summer at Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine in Kawaguchi City, near Tokyo. I haven’t detailed below, but this shrine also has a picturesque ‘hanachozu’.
Goldfish Lanterns (金魚ちょうちん)
- Dates: July 1st to August 23rd
- Details: Rows of red‑and‑white lanterns shaped like goldfish illuminate the shrine grounds. They create a soft, dreamlike atmosphere perfect for evening strolls and summer photos.
- Vibe: Calm, family‑friendly, and nostalgic
Natsumode (夏詣)
- Dates: July 1st to August 23rd
- A growing tradition across Japan, Natsumode invites visitors to pray for good health and safe days during the second half of the year.
- Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine offers special Natsumode goshuin (shrine stamps) during this period. For the Natsumode period there are two natsumode designs. Also, from June 20th to July 5th you can get Nagoshi no Oharae themed goshuin. And from June 27th to July 12th its Tanabata themed.
Seasonal Rituals & Ceremonies
All listed on the shrine’s official schedule. They also note that you need to make an appointment for all prayers.
- July 1: Nagoshi no Ōharae (夏越大祓)
- July 15: Suga Shrine Annual Festival (須賀神社例祭)
- July 26: Shinsui Festival (神水まつり)
- August 15: War Memorial Service (戦没者慰霊祭)
Venue Information
Event: Goldfish Lanterns and Natsumode 金魚ちょうちん・夏詣期
Date: July 1st to August 23rd 2026
Time: 9 am to 5 pm
Cost: free, but it is customary to put some coins in the prayer box
Venue: Hatogaya Hikawa Shrine 鳩ヶ谷総鎮守 氷川神社, 1 Chome-6-2 Hatogayahoncho, Kawaguchi, Saitama 334-0002. View on Google Maps.
Access: the shrine is only about a five-to-ten-minute walk from Hatogaya Station on the Saitama Rapid Railway Line, that continues on to the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line. Its only 8 minutes on the train from Akabane-Iwabuchi station in Tokyo to Hatogaya Station or 15 minutes from Oji Station. Even from downtown Tokyo, such as Korakuen, Ichigaya or Yotsuya stations it only takes about 30 to 35 minutes to get to Hatogaya Station.