A–Z directory

膝折ノ氷川神社

Hizaore-no-Hikawa Shrine

Japanese Name膝折ノ氷川神社
English NameHizaore-no-Hikawa Shrine
PrefectureSaitama
ReligionShinto
Primary DeityHachiman
Coordinates35.7870073, 139.5822416

⛩ AI-enriched content

About this Shrine

Hizaore-no-Hikawa Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the city of Iwatsuki, Saitama Prefecture. The shrine's name translates to 'the place where the knees are bent', and it is believed to be dedicated to the kami of water, particularly the god of ice and snow. According to local legend, the shrine was built on the site where a legendary woman named Hizaore was frozen in time by a samurai who was searching for her. The shrine's architecture reflects its connection to water, with a distinctive curved roofline that resembles a wave. Visitors can explore the shrine's grounds, which include a small pond and a traditional torii gate.

Cultural Significance

Hizaore is said to be a yuki-onna, or 'snow woman', who appears in Japanese folklore as a harbinger of winter. According to legend, she was a beautiful servant who froze to death while searching for her master's lost gloves. The shrine's dedication to Hizaore reflects its role as a guardian of the local community and a protector against the dangers of winter.

Enshrined Deities

Hachiman Hizaore

Location

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors

Spot an error?

This shrine data is sourced from OpenStreetMap. You can submit a correction or edit it on OpenStreetMap.

Shrine data © OpenStreetMap contributors, under the Open Database License.

Browse shrines by prefecture

Jump to Shinto shrines across Japan — 108 prefectures in our directory.

Quick Facts

  • Religion: Shinto

⛩ Visitor Tip

To make the most of your visit, try to arrive during cherry blossom season (March-April) or autumn foliage (November-December), when the grounds are especially beautiful. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy it by the small pond.

History

The shrine dates back to the Edo period (1603-1868), when it was built as a local shrine dedicated to Hizaore and other regional deities.

A-Z Creatures
Learn Japanese

Japanese Culture Network

Japanese Wood Joints

Ancient joinery techniques of Japanese master craftsmen

ShrinePuzzle

Directory of Japanese board games and traditional games

Kohibou

Japanese coffee culture — kissaten, third wave and brewing guides

E2Japan

Explore Japan's landmarks, shrines and hidden locations

The 725 Club

SNES and Super Famicom collection tracker

Spaceship Adventures

Hoshi no Isan — a Japanese-aesthetic space RPG in development

Uptown Zero

Pixel art life sim MMO — start at zero, build your life

Book Fairy Tales

AI-powered educational stories for kids

CSSKitsune

Japanese-aesthetic design tokens & AI-ready UI prompts

Shinto Wisdom app icon
Free App · No Ads · Offline

Shinto Wisdom Daily Practice

by 10k Game Studio

Every day, one teaching. One moment of stillness.
Kanji, meaning, and a quiet reflection — rooted in the philosophy behind Japan's forests, seasons, and sacred silences.

結び Musubi 清め Harae 自然 Shizen 間 Ma 誠 Makoto + 45 more
Get it on Google Play

Explore 297+ yōkai, oni, kami, and spirits — plus one of the largest English-language Shinto shrine directories on the web.

Explore
Popular Yokai
Popular Shrines

Content Warning: This website explores Japanese folklore and mythological beings—including yokai, oni, and other supernatural entities—that may be frightening to younger audiences or sensitive viewers. All material is presented for educational and cultural appreciation only. Viewer discretion is advised.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to preview content before sharing it with children. By continuing to use JapaneseMythicalCreatures.com, you acknowledge and accept this advisory.

Copyright © 2026 Japanese Mythical Creatures • All Rights Reserved.