Relationship between topography and Hikawa Shrine in Tokyo Metropolis

Abstract

Hikawa Shrine is a network of shrines that are widely distributed across the Kanto Plain. It is believed that the gods of the shrine are related to water and help control severe floods. This study aims to clarify the relationship between topography and Hikawa Shrine distributed in Tokyo Metropolis. It analyzed the relative heights and topographical characteristics of places around the shrines, and clarified that Hikawa Shrine is more concentrated in the relative heights of 1-13 m in comparison with other shrines in Tokyo Metropolis. The analysis of landform classification around Hikawa Shrine revealed that most of them are located on plateaus/terraces, artificial topography, and micro-highlands in the lowland. Additionally, it clarified that Hikawa Shrine is located nearer to rivers than other shrines are.