Kinomiya Shrine
A sacred sanctuary in Atami, home to a 2,000-year-old camphor tree believed to grant longevity.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid crowds, find peace
Kinomiya Shrine
Best Time
Avoid crowds, find peace
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred sanctuary in Atami, home to a 2,000-year-old camphor tree believed to grant longevity.
"Circle the ancient camphor tree to add a year to your life! 
🎯 Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Visit before 9 AM on weekdays for a serene experience. Crowds increase significantly by midday.
🌳 Circle the Ancient Camphor Tree
Legend says walking around the 2,000-year-old tree adds a year to your life.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 2,000-Year-Old Camphor Tree
Main grounds
A colossal, ancient camphor tree, a symbol of longevity and good fortune. Legend says circling it adds a year to your life.
+2
Peaceful Pathways and Tori Gates
Various paths within the shrine
Explore serene walking paths, including a small tunnel of tori gates and stairs offering views of a nearby stream.
Shrine Buildings and Cafes
Main complex and grounds
Admire the shrine's architecture and relax at on-site cafes offering refreshments amidst nature.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Embrace the Ancient Camphor Tree
+2 Many visitors participate in this ritual for good fortune and longevity. Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Visit before 9 AM on weekdays for a serene experience. Crowds increase significantly by midday.
🌳 Circle the Ancient Camphor Tree
Legend says walking around the 2,000-year-old tree adds a year to your life.
☕ Relax at On-Site Cafes
Enjoy a coffee or snack at the cafes on the grounds, offering a peaceful break. +1
🚗 Parking Availability
There's a pay lot near the temple. Parking may be validated with shrine shop purchases.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Visit before 9 AM on weekdays for a serene experience. Crowds increase significantly by midday.
🌳 Circle the Ancient Camphor Tree
Legend says walking around the 2,000-year-old tree adds a year to your life.
☕ Relax at On-Site Cafes
Enjoy a coffee or snack at the cafes on the grounds, offering a peaceful break. +1
🚗 Parking Availability
There's a pay lot near the temple. Parking may be validated with shrine shop purchases.
📜 Goshuin Collection
This shrine is a great starting point for collecting Goshuin (temple seals).
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kinomiya Shrine for its magnificent 2,000-year-old camphor tree and the serene, natural atmosphere. The legend of longevity associated with the tree adds a unique spiritual dimension. While generally well-regarded, some visitors note that it can become crowded during peak hours.
"Came on a Wednesday at 9am and while there were some people there it definitely wasn't crowded like we saw around 1 or 2 pm. It is such a lovely shrine with so many little pathways - there's a path of small tori gates (only like 8), then some stairs to view the river / stream. The shrine is said to bring good fortune and luck. It's well known for its 2000 year old camphor tree, if you walk around the tree it's said to add a year to your life span. We walked around that and the smaller tree for good measure. :)"
Erin Tom
"Beautiful shrine and kind staff. We started our goshuinmeguri here because we loved the trees and the wooden goshuincho.
Even on a very hot day, the shade and trees are cooling.
As with other popular shrines, please go early in the day to avoid crowds."
Dave Brothers
"Huge temple complex with a few different buildings and 2 very old trees (1300 and 2000 years old). There a parking lot to the right of the temple."
Matthijs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kinomiya Shrine is easily accessible as a day trip from Tokyo. Take the JR Tokaido Shinkansen to Atami Station (approx. 35-40 minutes) or the JR Ito Line to Kinomiya Station (approx. 3 minutes from Atami Station). From Kinomiya Station, it's a short 5-minute walk to the shrine.
Yes, there is a pay parking lot located to the right of the temple. Some reviews suggest that parking may be validated if you make a purchase at the shrine shop.
Absolutely! Kinomiya Shrine is a popular day trip destination from Tokyo, often combined with other attractions in Atami. The travel time is manageable, making it a feasible excursion.
The closest train station is Kinomiya Station on the JR Ito Line. It's just a 5-minute walk from the station to the shrine.
Yes, Kinomiya Shrine is very accessible by public transport. It's a short walk from Kinomiya Station, which is served by the JR Ito Line.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kinomiya Shrine generally does not have an entrance fee for general access to the grounds. However, specific events or areas might have separate charges.
While specific hours can vary, shrines are typically open from early morning until late afternoon. It's advisable to check the official website or local listings for the most current operating hours.
Yes, there is a shrine shop where you can purchase souvenirs, including wooden Goshuincho (stamp books) and other traditional items.
No, advance ticket booking is generally not required for visiting Kinomiya Shrine as it's a public place of worship.
The most famous ritual involves walking around the ancient camphor tree for good fortune and longevity. The shrine also offers Goshuin (temple seals) for visitors. +1
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The primary attraction is the magnificent 2,000-year-old camphor tree, revered for its age and believed to bestow longevity.
It is believed that walking around the ancient camphor tree once will add one year to your lifespan.
Yes, there are cafes on the grounds where you can enjoy refreshments like matcha, amazake, and ice cream while surrounded by nature. +1
Kinomiya Shrine offers many picturesque spots, especially the ancient camphor tree and the serene pathways, making it a great location for photography.
A Goshuin is a unique calligraphic stamp given by Japanese temples and shrines. Kinomiya Shrine is a popular spot to start or continue a Goshuin collection.
📸 📸 Photography
The 2,000-year-old camphor tree is a must-photograph subject. The serene pathways, tori gates, and the shrine buildings also offer beautiful photographic opportunities.
Photography is generally allowed within the shrine grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photography, especially during ceremonies. +1
Early morning light offers a soft, serene ambiance and fewer crowds, making it ideal for photography. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also provide beautiful lighting.
Capturing the grandeur of the ancient camphor tree is key. You can also photograph visitors participating in the ritual of walking around the tree, symbolizing the legend of extended life.
Tripod usage might be restricted in certain areas or during peak times to ensure smooth visitor flow. It's best to check with shrine staff if you plan to use one.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+2 The shrine's pathways and the small tori gate tunnel provide opportunities for exploration and gentle adventure. Consider visiting the on-site cafes for a family-friendly break where kids can enjoy snacks and drinks in a peaceful setting.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
+2 Arriving early in the morning allows for an undisturbed experience, fostering a deep sense of peace. Engaging with the Goshuin collection can be a rewarding solo activity, providing a tangible memento of your visit and a deeper dive into shrine culture.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
+4 The interplay of light and shadow through the dense foliage, the intricate details of the shrine buildings, and the serene pathways provide diverse shooting opportunities. +1To capture the best shots with fewer distractions, aim for early morning visits when the light is soft and the crowds are minimal.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Sacred Camphor Tree: A Symbol of Longevity
+4Local legend and shrine beliefs hold that walking around the tree once can extend your life by one year.
+2 This practice draws many visitors seeking blessings for longevity, good health, and good fortune. The tree's presence imbues the shrine with a palpable sense of ancient power and tranquility, making it a unique spiritual experience. +1Beyond its legendary status, the camphor tree is a testament to nature's resilience and the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world. Its shade offers a cool respite, and its presence is a constant reminder of the passage of time and the cycles of life.
Kinomiya Shrine's Historical Significance
The shrine's main hall has undergone renovations, with recent work ensuring its preservation and beauty.
This dedication to maintaining its structures reflects a commitment to honoring its heritage while providing a welcoming space for contemporary visitors. The blend of ancient traditions and ongoing care makes Kinomiya Shrine a living piece of history. Its location in Atami, a coastal town known for its hot springs and scenic beauty, further enhances its appeal. The shrine is often visited as part of a broader exploration of the region, offering a spiritual counterpoint to the town's recreational attractions.
+1Experiencing the Shrine's Atmosphere
The presence of on-site cafes adds to the relaxed atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy a moment of peace with a drink or snack while surrounded by the shrine's natural splendor.
For those interested in Japanese religious practices, Kinomiya Shrine is also a popular spot to collect Goshuin, the unique temple and shrine seals.
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