Mikane Shrine Kyoto
Kyoto's golden shrine dedicated to financial luck, featuring a dazzling torii gate and money-washing rituals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful prayers
Mikane Shrine Kyoto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful prayers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Kyoto's golden shrine dedicated to financial luck, featuring a dazzling torii gate and money-washing rituals.
"A small but powerful spot for financial blessings, with a stunning golden gate that symbolizes prosperity."
🎯 Respect Shrine Etiquette
Bow at the torii, walk on the sides, toss coins gently, ring the bell, and perform the two-bow, two-clap, one-bow ritual.
💰 Prepare for Souvenirs
Lucky charms and wallets can be pricey, budget around ¥5,000-¥10,000 for premium items.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Torii Gate
A dazzling, eye-catching gate symbolizing wealth and prosperity, a must-see for any visitor.
+1
Money Washing Ritual
Cleanse your coins and bills at the purification fountain for enhanced financial blessings.
Lucky Charms & Wallets
Purchase unique, gold-embellished omamori and wallets believed to bring financial fortune.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Golden Gate to Good Fortune
+1Souvenirs and Sacred Rituals
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Respect Shrine Etiquette
Bow at the torii, walk on the sides, toss coins gently, ring the bell, and perform the two-bow, two-clap, one-bow ritual. +1
💰 Prepare for Souvenirs
Lucky charms and wallets can be pricey, budget around ¥5,000-¥10,000 for premium items.
💧 Money Washing Ritual
Wash any currency at the purification area; keep washed money in a special wallet for luck.
📸 No Omamori Photos
Photography of amulets (omamori) inside the shrine is prohibited.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Respect Shrine Etiquette
Bow at the torii, walk on the sides, toss coins gently, ring the bell, and perform the two-bow, two-clap, one-bow ritual. +1
💰 Prepare for Souvenirs
Lucky charms and wallets can be pricey, budget around ¥5,000-¥10,000 for premium items.
💧 Money Washing Ritual
Wash any currency at the purification area; keep washed money in a special wallet for luck.
📸 No Omamori Photos
Photography of amulets (omamori) inside the shrine is prohibited.
🚶♀️ Walk from Nijo Palace
The shrine is a short 10-minute walk from Nijo Palace, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Mikane Shrine is a highly regarded 'money shrine' in Kyoto, celebrated for its striking golden torii gate and its blessings for financial prosperity. Visitors appreciate the unique money-washing ritual and the opportunity to purchase lucky charms, though some find the souvenirs to be on the pricier side. Despite its small size, the shrine is often busy, with many seeking its reputed ability to bring good fortune.
"I saw this golden shrine for praying for money and rich on Instagram and YouTube. It’s 10 mins walk from Nijo palace. We came here on weekday and there was heavy rain while we were heading to the shrine. I would say it was lucky to have some rain because I saw lots of local people and visitors lining up for entering this shrine. When we arrived at the golden shrine there were few people and not many locals because of rain. So we could fully pray not in a hurry. This is great. I was worried about it would take long to line up.
For the souvenir part, I recommend to prepare at least ¥5,000-¥10,000 to spend for buying their goods. Their Go-Ju-in are the most expensive one I ever seen in Kyoto: one special premium one for ¥1,000 and the other for ¥500. You definitely have to keep both. They are created in lots of gold on the paper. And there is a yellow wallet for ¥2,000. Other Yu-shou are ¥500-800. The wooden E-ma is ¥500. You have to pay some effort first to get great fortune right🤣 the cute small gold wallet is all sold out. I saw they are on auction website. Sigh I wasn’t able to get that.
Their shopping bag is also beautiful.
you can wash your money at the water area. Any currency is fine. But don’t use the washed coin and money. You have to keep them in your special gold wallet.
Anyways, I love this place and I feel very happy after praying and buying souvenirs.
If you happen to be near nijo area please come. See the details made from gold."
Christina Liu
"Coming here for good fortune and wealth. The shrine itself was small but stylish. Bought a lucky wallet 🙏🏻💰🧧"
Ric M.
"I've heard this place is popular with wealth/money. I came here by bus and walk just under 5 mins
The shrine is small but very busy&popular. There was a line to get into the shrine but the line move quickly. There are various omamoru you can choose. NO PHOTO OF THE OMAMORU inside the shrine."
Pnd T
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Mikane Shrine is conveniently located in a residential area north of central Kyoto. It's about a 10-minute walk from Nijo Palace. You can also reach it by bus, with a short walk of under 5 minutes from the nearest stop.
Consider using Google Maps for precise directions from your location in Kyoto.
Yes, Mikane Shrine is accessible by public transport. Buses are a common way to get close, and it's also within walking distance of some subway lines, particularly if you are visiting Nijo Palace.
Many visitors arrive by bus or after visiting nearby attractions like Nijo Palace. The shrine is in a residential area, so enjoy the local atmosphere as you approach.
While possible, it's a longer walk. Taking a bus or subway to a closer station like Nijo Castle Mae and then walking is more practical.
Mikane Shrine is situated in a residential area, making it a quieter alternative to some of Kyoto's more crowded major attractions. However, it is popular for its financial blessings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to Mikane Shrine itself is generally free. You can walk around the grounds and admire the golden torii gate without a ticket.
While specific hours aren't always listed, shrines in Japan are typically open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
There is no admission fee to enter the grounds of Mikane Shrine. However, purchasing souvenirs or omamori will incur costs.
To avoid crowds, aim for weekday mornings or visit shortly after it rains, as this can deter some visitors.
Yes, donations are welcome. You can offer money into the designated box, often with a five-yen coin for good luck.
🎫 ⛩️ Onsite Experience
Mikane Shrine is renowned as a 'money shrine' or 'wealth shrine,' dedicated to Kanayago-no-kami, a deity of metals and financial prosperity. Its golden torii gate is a major attraction. +1
The striking golden torii gate at Mikane Shrine symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and the shrine's dedication to financial blessings. It's a visually stunning feature.
Key etiquette includes bowing before entering the torii gate, walking on the sides of the path (not the center), tossing coins gently, ringing the bell, and performing the ritual of two bows, two claps, and one final bow. +1
You can take photos of the shrine grounds and the golden torii gate. However, photography of the omamori (amulets) inside the shrine is prohibited.
Popular souvenirs include gold-embellished omamori (amulets), lucky wallets, and wooden ema (prayer plaques), all designed to bring financial fortune.
🍽️ 💰 Food & Dining
Mikane Shrine is a small, focused site and does not typically have its own food stalls or restaurants. You'll find dining options in the surrounding residential or commercial areas of Kyoto.
The shrine is located in a residential area. For a wider selection of dining options, head towards the more commercial districts of Kyoto, or explore the eateries near Nijo Palace.
While there are no specific restrictions mentioned, it's generally best practice to consume food outside of sacred shrine grounds to maintain their tranquility and cleanliness.
You might find small local cafes in the residential streets surrounding the shrine, offering a glimpse into local life. For more options, explore areas like Oike-Nishinotoin.
The surrounding area is primarily residential. For traditional Kyoto cuisine or more modern cafes, you'll need to venture to nearby commercial hubs.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spot is undoubtedly the golden torii gate. Capture it from different angles, especially when the light hits it. The shrine's details and the money-washing area also make for interesting shots.
No, photography of the omamori inside the shrine is strictly prohibited. Please respect this rule to maintain the sanctity of the items.
Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for better photography conditions. The golden gate can be particularly striking in the golden hour.
The main restriction is on photographing the omamori inside the shrine. Otherwise, general respectful photography of the grounds is usually permitted.
A smartphone camera is perfectly adequate for capturing the golden gate and general atmosphere. If you want more detail, a mirrorless or DSLR camera can be used, but be mindful of crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Keep in mind that the shrine can get crowded, so holding onto little ones' hands is advisable. The souvenir shop offers unique items, but be mindful of the prices if you're on a budget. Consider combining a visit with nearby attractions like Nijo Palace, which offers more space for children to explore.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, focus on the experience of visiting the shrine and participating in the money-washing ritual, which is free. You can also enjoy the visual spectacle of the golden torii gate without spending a yen. Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid potential impulse buys due to crowds.
✨ Spiritual Seekers
Engage in the traditional prayer rituals, including bowing and clapping, and consider the money-washing ceremony for a deeper connection to the shrine's purpose. The purchase of an omamori can serve as a tangible reminder of your prayers and intentions for financial well-being.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Power of Mikane Shrine: A Financial Sanctuary
The most visually striking feature is its golden torii gate, a rare and opulent symbol that immediately signifies the shrine's purpose. Visitors often perform rituals, such as the money-washing ceremony, where they cleanse their currency at a purification fountain, believing it enhances their financial luck. This practice, along with the purchase of gold-embellished amulets and wallets, underscores the shrine's commitment to material blessings.
While the shrine is a place of prayer and hope, it's also a testament to the blend of tradition and commerce in modern Japan. The high prices of some souvenirs reflect the demand for these lucky charms, with some items even appearing on auction sites when sold out. Despite its commercial aspect, Mikane Shrine remains a tranquil spot for reflection, offering a moment of peace and aspiration amidst the bustling city.
Navigating Shrine Etiquette: Respectful Visits
Once inside, it's customary to walk on the sides of the path, leaving the central lane clear for the deities. At the purification fountain (temizuya), you'll typically wash your hands and mouth using a ladle, though some visitors may skip this if unsure. When making an offering, toss coins gently into the offering box, rather than forcefully. Before praying, ring the bell to summon the gods' attention. The prayer itself follows a specific sequence: two bows, two claps, and one final bow.
Remember that photography rules can vary. While general photos of the shrine are usually allowed, specific items like amulets (omamori) are often off-limits for pictures. By adhering to these guidelines, you not only show respect but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural significance of Japanese shrines.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit