Ishiura Shrine - Shri Shvetambar Jain Mandir in front of mighty Pavagadh Hills.
1 / 10

Ishiura Shrine

4.2
·2k reviews·Kanazawa, Japan

A charming Shinto shrine in Kanazawa, known for its adorable dog mascot, unique goshuin stamps, and a special prayer for athletic success.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Ishiura Shrine - Shri Shvetambar Jain Mandir in front of mighty Pavagadh Hills.

Ishiura Shrine

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming Shinto shrine in Kanazawa, known for its adorable dog mascot, unique goshuin stamps, and a special prayer for athletic success. Reddit+1

4.2
(2k reviews)

"The most beautiful little shrine I’ve ever been to! Bumping into it at night was just magical. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🐾 Meet Kima-chan!

Don't miss the super cute dog mascot, Kima-chan, and its uplifting message. :heart:

✍️ Collect a Goshuin

Grab a unique, often handwritten goshuin stamp as a special memento. :ticket:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Adorable Dog Mascot

Adorable Dog Mascot

Main shrine area

Meet Kima-chan, the shrine's beloved dog mascot, offering an uplifting message of 'Everything will be alright.'

Reddit
Goshuin Collection

Goshuin Collection

Shrine office

Collect beautifully designed, often handwritten goshuin stamps, a popular souvenir for shrine visitors.

Reddit+1
Shrine for Leg & Foot Protection

Shrine for Leg & Foot Protection

Dedicated smaller shrine

Pray for success in sports and activities involving legs and feet at this unique, specialized shrine.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Respectful Shrine Etiquette

Understand Japanese shrine etiquette before you go! Bowing at the torii gate and proper hand washing are key. Avoid loud conversations and respect the sacred atmosphere. TikTok

Best Time to Avoid Crowds

While Ishiura Shrine is charming, it can get busy. Visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon can offer a more peaceful experience, especially if you're looking for that magical nighttime glow. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Magical ambiance
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

NEVER do this at Japanese shrines! Seriously... 🛑⛩️ Most tourists visit shrines in Japan without knowing these essential rules of respect. I’m sharing these sacred shrine etiquette tips that Japanese people wish every visitor knew! 5 MUST-KNOW shrine rules: 1️⃣ BOW before entering through the torii gate - it marks the boundary between the human and sacred world. (Most tourists completely skip this...
@luxuwell.japan
475.8K likes • 3.8M views

🐾 Meet Kima-chan!

Don't miss the super cute dog mascot, Kima-chan, and its uplifting message. Reddit :heart:

✍️ Collect a Goshuin

Grab a unique, often handwritten goshuin stamp as a special memento. Reddit+1 :ticket:

Things to do when you visit Japanese shrines!!! #orangjepang #wisatajepang #gadisjepang #japantravel #japaneseshrine #kumamoto #kyushutravel #japanesegirl #fypシ゚viral
@explorelocalinjapan
128K likes • 3.3M views
🇯🇵 Payment in shrine and temple #japantravel #japanese #learnjapanese #japon #studyjapanese #japones #japonais #japonesa #japonya #日本旅行
@crazyjapanese_ttv
86.2K likes • 1.2M views

👟 Pray for Success

Visit the special shrine dedicated to success in sports and leg-related activities. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Water

Especially if visiting during warmer months, stay hydrated during your visit. Reddit :droplet:

Hidden shrine in Japan!🇯🇵⛩️ Fushimi Inari is very beautiful but always quite crowded... If you want to enjoy the shrine at a quiet place, this is the place for you! "Sasuke Inari Shrine" is located in Kamakura. It takes just 1 hour from Tokyo! This shrine has the 1000 of foxes and Tori gates. amazing... Follow us for more Japan travel tips! #japantravel #japantrip #japaneseculture #shrine #japanes...
@travel.japan_together
28.2K likes • 452.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Meet Kima-chan!

Don't miss the super cute dog mascot, Kima-chan, and its uplifting message. Reddit :heart:

✍️ Collect a Goshuin

Grab a unique, often handwritten goshuin stamp as a special memento. Reddit+1 :ticket:

👟 Pray for Success

Visit the special shrine dedicated to success in sports and leg-related activities. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

💧 Bring Water

Especially if visiting during warmer months, stay hydrated during your visit. Reddit :droplet:

🚶‍♀️ Explore Higher

The higher you go, the fewer people you'll encounter and the more beautiful the views become. Reddit :mountain_climbing:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Ishiura Shrine is a charming and unique destination, praised for its adorable dog mascot, Kima-chan, and its uplifting message. Visitors love collecting the beautifully designed goshuin stamps and the special shrine dedicated to athletic success. While it can get crowded, its intimate size and heartwarming energy make it a memorable stop in Kanazawa. Reddit+2

"Definitely worth a visit and bring water can it can be a hot hike depending on the weather. It can be crowded but the higher you go the less people there are and the more beautiful it gets. Worth a visit if you are in Kyoto."

Theawakeningself

"Ishiura Shrine is a super cute and charming spot, known for its adorable dog mascot. Despite being quite small, it attracts a lot of visitors, giving it a lively atmosphere. A great place to collect goshuin, with beautifully designed stamps for those who enjoy shrine visits. While it’s not the most grand or spacious shrine, its unique charm and popularity make it a lovely stop if you’re in the area."

Phil L

"Absolutely beautiful shrine! I went to check it out and to get a goshuin stamp. It was handwritten when I came. The priestesses were very nice. An old creep was following me and when I explained it to them, one of the priestess had me stay in the shrine office until he left. The priestesses wished me well when I finally had the courage to leave. Despite the experience, their energy was heartwarming and I felt safe because of them. There’s a lot to see."

Susan Ho

What People Like

Adorable dog mascot
Unique goshuin stamps
Uplifting atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can get crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ishiura Shrine is located in Kanazawa, near the Kenroku-en garden and art center. Public transportation is readily available, with buses being a convenient option to reach the vicinity. Reddit

Yes, it's a charming spot in the city of Kanazawa, often mentioned in conjunction with nearby attractions like Kenroku-en. Reddit

Ishiura Shrine is situated next to greenery and an art center, implying it's likely within walking distance or a very short transit ride from Kenroku-en. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Information regarding entrance fees is not explicitly mentioned, but many smaller shrines in Japan are free to enter. It's always good to check for any posted signs upon arrival. Reddit

Specific opening hours are not detailed, but shrines are generally accessible during daylight hours. For a magical experience, consider visiting at night. Reddit

Absolutely! Ishiura Shrine is known for its beautifully designed goshuin stamps, which are often handwritten. Reddit+1

Typically, no advance booking is required for visiting smaller shrines like Ishiura. Entry is usually on a walk-in basis. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Ishiura Shrine is celebrated for its charming atmosphere, its adorable dog mascot Kima-chan, and its unique goshuin stamps. It also features a special shrine for praying for success in sports. Reddit+1

While not the most grand or spacious, Ishiura Shrine is described as a 'super cute and charming spot' that attracts many visitors. Reddit

Expect a lively atmosphere due to its popularity, but also a charming and uplifting one, especially with the presence of its mascot and unique prayer areas. Reddit

Visitors can participate in traditional shrine practices like praying and collecting goshuin stamps. The shrine also has a specific area for praying for athletic success. Reddit

Yes, the shrine's charming details, mascot, and unique prayer areas offer many picturesque opportunities. Visiting at night can add a magical touch. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the adorable dog mascot, Kima-chan, the unique prayer shrine for athletes, and the beautifully designed goshuin stamps. The shrine's overall charm also makes for great photos. Reddit

Yes, one visitor described the experience of bumping into the shrine at night as 'magical,' suggesting it's a great time for atmospheric photos. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed at shrines, but it's always respectful to avoid intrusive shots, especially during prayer times or in restricted areas. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ishiura Shrine is a delightful stop for families. The presence of the adorable dog mascot, Kima-chan, is sure to capture children's imaginations and offer a fun, uplifting message. Reddit The shrine's manageable size means it's not overwhelming for little ones, and the unique prayer for athletic success might even spark interest in sports. Reddit

While it's a place of worship, its charming nature makes it engaging for younger visitors. Remember to bring water, especially on warmer days, and encourage respectful behavior to maintain the peaceful atmosphere. The opportunity to collect a goshuin can also be a fun activity for older children interested in Japanese culture. Reddit

👟 Athletes and Sports Enthusiasts

For athletes, Ishiura Shrine offers a unique spiritual advantage. The dedicated shrine for praying to avoid injuries and for success in sports involving legs and feet is a special draw. Reddit It's a chance to seek blessings for your performance and physical well-being before a competition or important event. Reddit

Consider visiting to pay your respects and make a prayer. The shrine's overall charming atmosphere can also provide a sense of calm and focus. Don't forget to explore the possibility of collecting a goshuin as a memento of your visit and your athletic aspirations. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Charm of Kima-chan and Uplifting Messages

Ishiura Shrine is particularly known for its endearing dog mascot, Kima-chan. This adorable figure embodies the shrine's spirit, offering a message of hope: 'Everything will be alright.' This unique element adds a layer of warmth and personality that resonates with visitors, making it a memorable stop. The presence of such a distinct mascot sets it apart from more traditional shrines. Reddit

This focus on positivity and comfort is a significant draw. It transforms the shrine from a purely religious site into a place of emotional solace and charm. Many visitors find the mascot and its message to be a delightful surprise and a source of personal encouragement during their travels. Reddit

Collecting Goshuin: A Popular Shrine Tradition

For those interested in Japanese shrine culture, Ishiura Shrine is an excellent place to collect goshuin. These are calligraphic stamps, often beautifully handwritten, that serve as a unique souvenir and proof of visit. The goshuin at Ishiura Shrine are noted for their attractive designs, making them highly sought after by collectors. Reddit+1

Collecting goshuin is a rewarding experience that connects visitors more deeply with the spiritual sites they visit. The process often involves interacting with shrine staff, who can provide insights into the shrine's history and significance. The handwritten nature of these stamps adds a personal touch, making each one a unique piece of art. Reddit

A Shrine for Athletes and Injury Prevention

Beyond its general charm, Ishiura Shrine holds a special significance for athletes and those involved in physically demanding activities. It features a dedicated smaller shrine where visitors can pray specifically for success in sports and for the prevention of injuries, particularly those affecting the legs and feet. Reddit

This specialized focus offers a unique prayer opportunity that caters to a specific need. It highlights the diverse ways Shinto shrines cater to the varied concerns and aspirations of the community. For athletes visiting Kanazawa, this offers a chance to seek blessings for their performance and well-being. Reddit

You may also like