About Mikane Shrine
Mikane Shrine is a shrine located in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City, known for its blessings of financial fortune and good luck. Although a small shrine quietly nestled in a residential area, its golden torii gate and powerful financial energy attract a constant stream of worshippers from all over Japan.
Deities and History
The main deity is Kanayama-hiko-no-kami, revered as the god of mines and minerals. Amaterasu-ōmikami and Tsukuyomi-no-kami are enshrined as auxiliary deities.
Originally a private shrine within a private residence, it was moved to its current location in 1883 (Meiji 16). While it was once frequented by miners and swordsmiths, today it is bustling with worshippers seeking financial and wealth improvements, viewing “gold” as currency and asset.
Benefits for Financial Luck
The following benefits are believed to be bestowed at Mikane Shrine:
- Increased Financial Luck and Wealth – Prayers for winning the lottery and business prosperity
- Successful Asset Management – Prayers for success in stock and real estate investments
- Gambling Luck – Luck in gambling such as horse racing and pachinko
- Successful Job Hunting and Career Change – Opportunities for financially rewarding work
Many reports of people winning the lottery or receiving unexpected income have been received, and a constant stream of people visit to offer their thanks.
Points to Note When Visiting
The Golden Torii Gate
The most distinctive feature of Mikane Shrine is its golden torii gate covered in 24-karat gold leaf. It is illuminated at night, shining even more majestically. It is said that simply passing through this gate will increase your financial luck, and it is a popular photo spot.
Ema (Votive Tablets) and Ginkgo Leaves
The sacred tree on the shrine grounds is a ginkgo tree, and the shape of its leaves symbolizes “ever-expanding prosperity.” The ema (votive tablets) are also shaped like ginkgo leaves and feature a unique, shimmering golden design. Many people write specific amounts on them, such as “winning XX million yen” or “increasing annual income.”
Lucky Wallets (Offerings)
The lucky wallets are particularly popular. It’s believed that keeping lottery tickets or important money in this wallet will improve one’s financial luck, and many visitors seek them out. They come in gold and silver; gold is said to “attract money,” while silver is said to “protect money.”
Recommended Visiting Hours
While the shrine is open 24 hours, the office is open from approximately 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (irregularly). To avoid crowds, weekday mornings are recommended. Weekends and the days around lottery ticket releases are especially crowded.
Access Information
Basic Information
- Address: 614 Oshinishinotoin-cho, Nishinotoin-dori, Oike-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
- Phone: 075-222-2062
- Admission Fee: Free
- Visiting Hours: 24 hours (Shrine office open from approximately 10:00 to 16:00)
Access by Train
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Nijojo-mae Station on the Tozai Subway Line (nearest station)
- Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Karasuma-Oike Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
Exit from Exit 2 of Nijojo-mae Station, head west along Oike-dori, then turn north onto Nishinotoin-dori. You will see a golden torii gate on your right.
Access by Bus
- Approximately 5 minutes on foot from the “Horikawa Oike” bus stop
- Approximately 7 minutes on foot from the “Nijojo-mae” bus stop
Access by Car
There is no dedicated parking lot. Please use nearby coin-operated parking lots. However, street parking is strictly prohibited as it is a residential area.
Points to Note When Visiting
- The shrine grounds are small, so please be considerate of others when it is crowded.
- As it is located in a residential area, please refrain from loud conversations.
- Photography is permitted, but please be considerate of other visitors.
- When making an offering, cherish the “good fortune” and offer with sincerity rather than money.
Although small, Mikane Shrine is a special shrine that attracts the faith of people wishing for improved financial luck. If you pass through the golden torii gate and pray with a heartfelt heart, good fortune will surely come your way.
