Mikane Jinja enshrines three deities: the main deity is Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto, and Amaterasu-Omikami and Tsukiyomi-no-Mikoto are also enshrined.
Kanayamahiko-no-Mikoto is the son of Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, known as the deities of ‘Kamiyo-Nanayo’, Seven Divine Generations, who are created the land of Japan and gave birth to various deities. He provides protection for metals, including gold, silver, and copper, as well as for mines and minerals, jewels.
Initially, the three deities were worshipped on private property.
However, as the shrine received a constant stream of visitors and more people wished to worship, a new shrine was constructed in 1883 (Meiji 16) with support and contributions from local residents and devotees. The shrine was then renovated to its current form.
The street next to Mikane shrine is ‘Kamanza Street’, and this area has been home to skilled metalworkers who have had the privilege of casting tea kettles since the Heian period.
Another street near the shrine is ‘Ryogaemachi Street’, where Shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa established Kinza (Gold Mint) and Ginza (Silver Mint).
This area was home to skilled metalworkers from all over Japan who were responsible for minting gold and silver coins for the Edo shogunate.
Although the Kinza was abolished in 1868, there were still many money changers in the neighborhood of the shrine, and the area was vibrant with people in splendid fashion, which was described as the ‘Ryogaemachi style’.
Mikane shrine was founded in a location with such a background, and it has ensured the protection of valuable treasures, including currencies of that era such as gold, silver, and copper, as well as minerals, gemstones, and other ores. A great number of visitors have come to the shrine for prayer, as it remains cherished as the guardian deity of the region, adored by both the local community and worshippers.
In recent years, the shrine has experienced a significant increase in the number of visitors coming from all over Japan and overseas, seeking good fortune in various aspects of life including wealth, prosperity, asset management, business growth, commercial success, finance, stock trading, real estate, lotteries, and gambling success. The Mikane Shrine has become a popular destination for those hoping to improve their financial situations and achieve success in these specific areas.
Visitors to Mikane Shrine can offer prayers and receive blessings in various areas, including:
• Financial luck and Good fortune
• All metals, mines, minerals, ores, gemstones
• Finance securities, Banking, and Investment
• Accounting, Tax Accounting and Consulting
• Metal manufacturing and Processing
• Factory and Steel industry
• Construction
• Automobiles, Railroads, Airplanes, and Ships
• Transportation and Travel
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Barbering, Hairdressing, and Beauty services
• Electronics and Machinery
• Chips (Semiconductors) and Electronic components
• Precision machinery
• Mining, Stone quarrying, and Stone cutting
• Jewelry and Decorative arts
• Healthcare and Dental services
Discover the magnificent sacred tree of Mikane Shrine – an exquisite ginkgo tree that is over 200 years old, standing at a height of approximately 22 meters with a trunk diameter of over 2 meters.
According to folklore, the Ginkgo tree has the ability to protect shrines, deities, and people’s lives during fires because the tree stores water in its inside.
The Ginkgo tree is said to never die in any environment, and has been considered a symbol of ‘prosperity, growth, and longevity’.
The open fan-shaped leaves that spread out in eight directions are a symbol of ‘infinite expansion’, and are considered a symbol of ‘infinite good fortune and prosperity’.
Ginkgo nuts take a long time to grow, though they produce plenty of fruit. This is said to symbolize the fulfillment of wishes.
Visitors are welcome to take home golden leaves from the 200-year-old sacred ginkgo tree at Mikane Shrine in autumn.
※ Due to the spread of the COVID-19 infection, the event is currently suspended.
The Golden Torii Gate warmly welcomes visitors with its radiant golden glow. This sight is made possible by the generous support of Horikin-hakufun Co., Ltd., a Kyoto-based gold leaf company with a long tradition, founded in 1711, the first year of the Shotoku era.
―堀金箔粉株式会社― http://www.horikin.co.jp/
The company’s exceptional craftsmanship ensures that the gate’s color remains unfaded even under outdoor conditions, and will continue to welcome visitors with its golden glow.
The sacred signboard of Mikane Shrine attached to the front of the Torii gate was made possible by the heartfelt contributions of the shrine’s parishioners and local community.
The golden bell rope was specially made and generously donated by Mr. Norio Sakata, a skilled craftsman who was awarded the ‘Excellent skilled Craftsman Award in the Kyoto Traditional Industry’.