Iwatsuki Hisaizu “the peacock” Shrine is a very photogenic shrine and one of Saitama’s most prominent. Furthermore, it is the only one I know of with resident peacocks! Each year in summer, they have a beautiful wind chime display. Moreover, in recent years they also have cooling mist! It usually starts around early June, about a month before the famous wind chimes of Kawagoe Hikawa shrine. The limited edition goshuin and stamp book, with peacock motifs, usually start from June 1st.
Wind chimes
Each summer, the Iwatsuki Hisaizu Shrine display beautiful wind chimes in the precincts. They have a stunning display of red chimes by the administration office of the shrine. In addition, there is a tunnel of clear wind chimes with various designs on them, adorning a quaint path that leads to the rest area of the shrine. The tunnel of red wind chimes went up sometime during early June – as of June 11th I can confirm they are up. During the period they also have a limited edition goshuin:
Peacock Goshuin
The limited edition Goshuin that I got at Iwatsuki Hisaizu shrine a few years ago is one of my favorites. It depicts a beautiful peacock and tanabata scene. Peacocks are the symbol of the shrine. The shrine was gifted three peacocks from a member of staff of the Imperial Palace. Over the years, the numbers grew and there are now about 20.
A goshuin is a large stamp or seal handwritten by a monk or priest at a shrine or temple. They are not available at every shrine and temple. Moreover, there are often conditions to receiving them. For example, some shrines and temples require that you book them in advance. Each year Iwatsuki Hisaizu have a limited edition summer summer stamp and goshuin book (used for collecting the stamps). The 2021 goshuin book pictured above. In 2026 the goshuin and goshuin book are called “Summer Birthstone” and they feature a peacock with gemstones. They go on sale from June 1st.
Iwatsuki Hisaizu Shrine Information
Event: Hisaizu Shrine Wind Chimes, Cooling Mist and Goshuin
Dates: The summer goshuin are available from June 1st. The red tunnel wind chimes are up from June 11th. Awaiting information for the cooling mist and tunnel of clear wind chimes. All are usually up until around the end of August, but the shrine has not provided a date yet.
Hours: The shrine is open from 8.30 am to 5 pm. The precincts are open from 5 am to 7 pm.
Cost: a donation into the prayer box in front of the shrine, if you are visiting the shrine to see the wind chimes.
Venue: Hisaizu Shrine, 2 Chome-6-55 Miyacho, Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama, 339-0065. View on Google Maps.
Access
The nearest station is Iwatsuki station on the Urban Park line. The shrine is a fifteen walk from the west exit. There is parking for 100 cars. The parking lot is open from 5 am to 6 pm and is free of charge. It is a 10 minute drive from the Iwatsuki Interchange.
Even more information about the shrine in English:
R20220606