Koma Shrine

Koma Shrine is located in Shinbori, Hidaka City, Saitama Prefecture. It enshrines three deities: Koma no Jakko (Koma no Konikishi Jakko), a Goguryeo immigrant who became head of Koma District, Sarutahiko no Mikoto, and Takenouchi no Sukune no Mikoto. The wooded grounds have a calm atmosphere that reflects a long history.

The shrine's origins go back to ancient times. According to the official website, Tang and Silla attacked Goguryeo in 666 and Goguryeo sent an envoy to the Yamato court. Jakko came to Japan as part of that mission, and when Goguryeo fell in 668 he could not return home. The Shoku Nihongi records that he was granted the surname Oh (King) in 703. In 716 the court created Koma District in Musashi Province, relocating about 1,800 Goguryeo people, and Jakko was appointed its head. After his death, he is said to have been enshrined as the district's guardian deity.

The shrine is also known as "Shusse Myojin", the deity of success, because several politicians who worshipped here later became prime minister. Its blessings are said to include career advancement and good fortune, business prosperity, descendants and longevity. The Koma family has served the shrine for about 60 generations over some 1,300 years. In September 2017 the then Emperor and Empress visited.

Highlights include the main hall (a Saitama Prefectural Tangible Cultural Property) and the adjacent Koma Family Residence, a thatched irimoya-style farmhouse believed to date from the Keicho era (1596-1615) and designated a national Important Cultural Property in 1971; it is notable for its slender pillars and lack of a central post. A copy of the Great Prajnaparamita Sutra held here is also an Important Cultural Property. A sub-shrine, Suitengu, stands on the hill, with monthly festival days on the 5th, 15th and 25th.

Every year on October 19, a lion dance handed down for about 400 years is offered, and children up to age seven receive a mark on the forehead to pray for good health. A smartphone audio guide covering 10 spots is available in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese.

Allow about one hour for the grounds and the Koma Family Residence. It is about a 20-minute walk from Komagawa Station on the JR Hachiko and Kawagoe lines. Nearby spots include Kinchakuda and Moomin Valley Park (about 3.1 km).