Mikane Shrine — Attraction in Kyoto

御金神社 (Mikane Shrine) is a small but highly revered Shinto shrine located in the heart of Kyoto, Japan. Despite its modest size, it is widely known as a shrine for wealth, prosperity, and good fortune, attracting visitors who seek blessings for financial success and security. The name “Mikane” (御金) can be translated as “precious metal,” reflecting its connection to wealth and abundance.

The shrine is dedicated to Kanayago-no-kami, a deity associated with metals, particularly gold, as well as prosperity and economic well-being. Its golden torii gate, a rare and striking feature, immediately catches the eye and symbolizes the shrine’s focus on financial blessings. Visitors often leave offerings or purchase talismans, such as golden charms and coins, believed to bring wealth and luck in business ventures or personal finances.

One of the unique customs at Mikane Shrine involves the use of gold leaf-embellished amulets. These are popular among visitors, who keep them as lucky charms to attract prosperity. The shrine is particularly busy at the start of the year and during significant financial periods, as people come to pray for a prosperous future.

Surrounded by urban Kyoto, Mikane Shrine offers a tranquil spot for reflection amid the city’s hustle and bustle. Whether you’re seeking wealth, security, or simply a moment of peace, this charming shrine has become a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike, embodying the timeless Japanese spirit of hope and gratitude...

I saw this golden shrine for praying for money and rich on Instagram and YouTube. It’s 10 mins walk from Nijo palace. We came here on weekday and there was heavy rain while we were heading to the shrine. I would say it was lucky to have some rain because I saw lots of local people and visitors lining up for entering this shrine. When we arrived at the golden shrine there were few people and not many locals because of rain. So we could fully pray not in a hurry. This is great. I was worried about it would take long to line up.

For the souvenir part, I recommend to prepare at least ¥5,000-¥10,000 to spend for buying their goods. Their Go-Ju-in are the most expensive one I ever seen in Kyoto: one special premium one for ¥1,000 and the other for ¥500. You definitely have to keep both. They are created in lots of gold on the paper. And there is a yellow wallet for ¥2,000. Other Yu-shou are ¥500-800. The wooden E-ma is ¥500. You have to pay some effort first to get great fortune right🤣 the cute small gold wallet is all sold out. I saw they are on auction website. Sigh I wasn’t able to get that. Their shopping bag is also beautiful.

you can wash your money at the water area. Any currency is fine. But don’t use the washed coin and money. You have to keep them in your special gold wallet.

Anyways, I love this place and I feel very happy after praying and buying souvenirs. If you happen to be near nijo area please come. See the details...

I recently visited a quaint shrine dedicated to the god of wealth, a small but spiritually potent spot that promises prosperity to its visitors. Despite its modest size, the shrine radiates a warm and inviting atmosphere, making it a unique destination for those seeking blessings for financial well-being.

Tucked just beyond the entrance is the chozusha, a purification basin that's easy to overlook but essential for the ritual cleansing before prayers. Its discreet location, to the left as you enter, underscores the shrine's intimate feel, encouraging mindfulness and respect.

In this serene setting, I offered my prayers for a life enriched not only with material wealth but also with fulfilling experiences. The shrine, though tiny, provides a profound space for reflection and connection to the divine, proving that spiritual significance far exceeds physical size.

For anyone in search of peace and a hopeful prayer for prosperity, this shrine is a hidden gem that speaks to the heart's desires, reminding us of the beauty in simplicity and the...