Step through the gleaming golden torii gate. The Mikane Shrine, or “Money Shrine” as it’s often called, stands before you, bathing in the warm Kyoto sun. It may seem like an ordinary, small shrine in a residential area, but this shrine holds a powerful reputation—a reputation for attracting wealth and good fortune. It wasn’t always this way, though.
The Mikane Shrine has a rich history. It was founded in 1883, a period when metalworking was a major industry in Kyoto. The shrine was built to honor Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto, a powerful deity who is said to protect metals. The shrine’s location was strategic, right beside a street known for metalworkers.
The shrine became famous over time because of the belief that the deity Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto had the power to bring prosperity to those who sought his favor. But it wasn’t until the use of gold, silver and bronze became a central currency in Japan, that the Mikane Shrine became a popular pilgrimage spot for those who wanted to attract financial success.
Many people today come to the Mikane Shrine, bringing their wishes for wealth and good fortune to the deities housed within. It’s a place where people can make offerings of purified coins—a gesture that is believed to attract the favor of Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto.
Even visitors who don’t believe in the power of the shrine often find themselves drawn to its unique atmosphere. It’s a place where the serene beauty of traditional Japanese architecture meets the tangible hopes and desires of a modern world.