Kuki, Saitama
There is one other form of tourism in Kuki, Saitama that is as popular as other parts of Japan.  That is visiting the various shrines in Kuki, Saitama to say your prayers to loved ones and family who have passed, ward off evil spirits, to wish for good luck in school, family, work and life in general.  There is one shrine in particular that has gained fame over the years from Japanese and foreign tourists alike.  This is the Washinomiya Shrine (formerly Washimiya Shrine).  The oldest known record of this shrine can be found in the Azuma Kagami, which is the official historical record for the Kamakura Shogun.  The Imperial family and even Shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu had once occupied and helped make this shrine famous.  The Washinomiya Shrine also holds many folk-art and culture events, including the famous Saibara-Kagura Festival.  The traditional dance was handed down through generations and has been designated as a national folk-art and culture asset. The shrine also houses several ancient relics which are on display all the time for the public to view.