Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine

**Matchmaking stone ritual:** To receive a free enmusubi-dama stone, arrive by 7:30am (earlier on weekends — line forms by 7:00). Distribution at 8:00 on first-come basis (20 stones only). If you eventually marry while carrying the stone, tradition asks you to return it to the shrine with your wedding partner. The shrine provides beautifully illustrated explanation cards in English detailing the stone's blessing and proper treatment. **Ema tunnel:** The shrine has a unique ema (votive plaque) display — instead of hanging on boards, visitors write wishes on fish-shaped wooden plaques and 'release' them into a wooden stream installation. The flowing design symbolizes wishes traveling to the deities. The ema are later blessed and ritually burned by priests. This participatory art installation is photogenic and emotionally engaging (¥500 for ema). **Wind chime corridor:** The summer installation (Enmusubi Furin, 縁結び風鈴, July 1–September 10) features 2,000 hand-blown glass wind chimes in rainbow colors suspended in a corridor creating a canopy of sound and light. Each chime can be personalized with a wish card (¥500). Evening visits (17:00–21:00, Fridays–Sundays during installation period) include illumination — the backlit glass creates magical atmosphere. The tinkling sound is overwhelming in wind — visit on calm days for contemplative experience. **Ai-ai Umbrella:** A giant red umbrella installation (相合い傘, ai-ai-gasa, 'shared umbrella') serves as a photo spot symbolizing couples sharing shelter — a traditional Japanese romantic gesture. Couples queue for photos under the umbrella (be patient, allow others their moment). The shrine provides professional photographers on weekends (¥3,000 for photo package) for engagement/wedding announcement photos.