Hello! This time I would like to introduce a somewhat mysterious and rumored to be auspicious shrine in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture,Kanahebi Suijinja ShrineThe following is a brief introduction of the "Power Spot". With the words "gold," "snake," and "water" in its name, this power spot is said to be beneficial for "increased money" and "prosperous business. Within the temple grounds, there is an abundance of sights to see, including a serpentine stone (a stone with a snake pattern), a sacred pond, a 300-year-old wisteria, and a peony garden. It is a place where, if you take the time to walk around, you can become a time of overlapping gods, nature, and stories. Let's take a tour together.
What kind of shrine is Kanejamizu Shrine?
Deities and Origin
Kinjabeshimisha has long been worshipped in the region as a shrine dedicated to the god of water and the god of snakes. According to the official introduction of the shrine, the deity is a "golden snake" as stated in the company name, and is known as the god of water. MIZUHANOME NO MIKOTO It is tied to the
According to the shrine legend, there is an episode in ancient times when Munechika Kokaji, a swordsmith from Kyoto, received an order from the emperor to forge a treasured sword in this area while traveling around the country in search of famous water, praying to the water god, which led to the dedication of a golden snake.
This tradition of water and snakes, combined with the symbolism of "purity of water" and "snakes = rebirth and luck of money," has made the shrine famous today as a shrine of money and business prosperity.
Location, access, basic information
The location of the Golden Snake Water Shrine is as follows
7, Mizugami, Sanshikiyoshi, Iwanuma, Miyagi 989-2464, Japan
Access is also relatively convenient:
- Train + Bus: JR Tohoku Main Line / Joban Line Iwanuma Station Take a city bus for about 15 minutes from the "Kanejamizujinja-mae" bus stop, then a 5-minute walk from the bus stop.
- By car: 15 minutes from the Iwanuma Interchange on the Sendai-Tobu Road, 20 minutes from the Murata Interchange
Parking is also available, and we are informed that a large number of parking spaces (200 spaces) are reserved for regular vehicles.
Admission to the shrine itself is free of charge, and visitors can come and see the shrine 24 hours a day. However, the awarding of red seals, guardian cards, and amulets is 8:30-16:00 The application is accepted during the hours of
Highlights of Attractions and Worship
Here are a few must-see spots and experiences you should not miss when you visit Kanejamizu Shrine.
Serpentine
The south side of the shrine is lined with stones called "serpentine stones," which are said to have a snake pattern that naturally appears on them. Worshippers are said to choose one of these stones and stroke it with their hands or rub it with their wallets before delivering it, which is also said to bring them good luck in money.
This stone is not just a decoration, but a point of religious significance, and should be treated with care and with the hands together when visiting the temple.
Golden Snake Benzaiten Shrine and Benzaiten worship
The precincts of the temple are Kanahebi Benzaiten (Golden Snake Benzaiten) Benzaiten is worshipped as the god of wealth, wisdom, and the improvement of one's skills. Benzaiten is also known as one of the Seven Gods of Good Fortune and is widely worshipped by those seeking blessings in the arts, academics, and business.
In particular, the shrine's connection between Benzaiten, snakes, and water has led to such folklore as "snake = messenger" and "white snake = incarnation of Benzaiten.
Kowloon wisteria, peony garden, and other flowers
The precincts of the temple are Wisteria tree (Kowloon wisteria) that is 300 years old The park is also home to a large peony garden and is a popular flower viewing spot from spring to early summer.
During the Hana Matsuri (Flower Festival), wisteria, peonies, azaleas, and other flowers are in full bloom, attracting many worshippers and tourists.
Sando Terrace / Rest Area
Recently maintained Sando Terrace (approach rest area) is a corridor connecting the approach to the shrine, the garden, and the shrine, and includes a rest area, café terrace, and souvenir shop. It serves not only as a place of worship, but also as a hub connecting the Shinto realm and the secular world.
From this rest area, you can also view the garden, the sacred pond, wisteria, peonies, and rock arrangement, making it a relaxing place to spend time between visits to the temple.
Prayer Points and Prayer Reception
If you visit, you will want to be aware of your connection with God through worship and prayer.
- Prayer reception hours and methods
No reservation is required for personal prayer at the shrine office. 8:00-16:00 You can apply for the service at Note, however, that there is no information during the noon (12:00) to 1:00 p.m. time slot.
The standard initial fee is 3,000 yen and up. The prayers are for family safety, traffic safety, financial success, academic success, healing of illness, and protection from bad luck, among others.
For groups (more than 10 sacred objects), festivals, and traveling festivals, there is a notice that prior contact is required. - Preparation and Flow of Worship
First, pass through the torii gate, purify your hands at the purifying hand-watering basin, and worship in front of the hall of worship. Touching the serpentine stone and paying a visit to Benzaiten Shrine may deepen the intention of your wish.
A selection of good luck charms and talismans are also available at the shrine office. There are several types of good luck charms especially for money. - Approximate time of visit
If you want to take your time, you will need to spend 30-60 minutes in the temple, including viewing and strolling.
What I felt when I visited the shrine and how I enjoyed my visit
One spring afternoon, during a less crowded time of the day, I visited Kinjamizu Shrine. As I passed through the torii gate, the quietness of the cedars and trees and the faint sound of water lingered in my ears, making me feel as if everyday life were a little farther away. As we proceeded along the approach to the shrine, the vermilion color of the main shrine building could be seen through the wisteria trellis, giving the shrine a serene atmosphere.
First, I reach out my hand in front of the serpentine stone, caressing one and lightly touching the wallet. The warmth and the roughness of the stone lingered on my skin. I continued on to the hall of worship and prayed at the Benzaiten shrine. As I walk around the temple grounds, the wisteria vines and peony buds catch my eye, and the scent of spring wafts through the air.
The garden, including the stones and waterside scenery, is a unified landscape of a Shinto shrine. After visiting the shrine, I took a break at Sando Terrace to enjoy the view of the shrine and the approach to the shrine before returning home, and I felt as if my heart were in order.
Benefits, Lore, and the Power of Faith
- Since ancient times, it has been believed to bring fortune, prosperity, good fortune, protection from bad luck, and healing from illness.
- The snake is a symbol of rebirth and renewal through shedding its skin, and is closely related to the god of water. The combination of snake and water forms the basis of the shrine's beliefs.
- Seasonal events such as the regular festival, the flower festival, and the blooming of wisteria and peonies in the spring nurture the connection between the community and the worshippers.
- It is also reported that the year of the snake is also considered a lucky year and that the number of worshippers tends to increase as a special year.
Summary of spot information
| (data) item | Details |
|---|---|
| name | Kanahebi Suijinja Shrine |
| Address | 7, Mizugami, Mikishikiyoshi, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan |
| enshrined deity | Kinseru Ojin (snake/water goddess lineage)/Mizuhayakunomikoto lineage, etc. |
| Blessings | For financial prosperity, business prosperity, good luck, protection from bad luck, healing from illness, etc. |
| entrance fee | Free of charge (free to visit) |
| Hours for awarding red seals | 8:30-16:00 |
| Parking | Approx. 200 standard-sized vehicles |
| Hours of Prayer | You should see about 30 to 60 minutes. |
| thing to note | Serpentine Stone, Golden Snake Benzaiten, Wisteria Shelf (Kowloon Wisteria), Peony Garden, Sando Terrace (rest and approach facilities) |
| Prayer Reception | 8:00 - 16:00, from 3,000 yen for the first earning |
Finally: time to feel the story of water, snakes and money.
The Golden Snake Water Shrine is more than just a "shrine to pray for good fortune"; it is an experience. It has a combined attraction of water god belief, snake symbolism, flower scenery, and a rest area on the approach to the shrine. Slowly caressing the stones, looking at the wisteria, and praying quietly in one's heart. The accumulation of these experiences will give a little mystery and power to your daily life...I hope you will spend such time here.
If you are planning a trip near Sendai or in Miyagi Prefecture, please include Kinjyamizu Shrine in your route and experience this "story of the snake and the water. You may find something to light up your heart.
Be sure to visit someday!