Miyagi’s Renowned Money Luck Power Spot! A Guide to Sightseeing in Kinkasan

Kinkasan in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is one of the top money luck power spots in the Tohoku region. If you dream of striking it rich, why not visit Kinkasan? In this article, we will introduce not only the charm of Koganeyama Shrine in Kinkasan but also various attractions on the island. Be sure to use this guide when planning your trip to Kinkasan!

How to Travel to Kinkasan

Kinkasan is a small isolated island in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture. The only people living on the island are those associated with Koganeyama Shrine, and there are no other residents. To get to Kinkasan, you need to take a combination of train, bus, and ferry from Sendai Station.

First, take the JR Senseki Line from Sendai Station to its final stop, Ishinomaki. From Ishinomaki Station, there are two routes: one via Ayukawa Port and another via Onagawa Port. To reach Ayukawa Port, take a bus from JR Ishinomaki Station, which takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. From Ayukawa Port, take a boat to Kinkasan, which takes approximately 20 minutes. A regular ferry operates on Sundays, but on weekdays, you will need to arrange a private boat. For more details, check the official website of Koganeyama Shrine or the Kinkasan Route Business Cooperative.

The route via Onagawa Port takes about 35 minutes by boat to Kinkasan. This ferry also operates regularly only on Sundays and public holidays. On Saturdays, there are irregular departures, and on weekdays, a motorboat service is available. For details, visit the "Shio Planning" website.

The photo shows Seapal Pier Onagawa, located near Onagawa Port. It takes about 30 minutes by car from central Ishinomaki.

Koganeyama Shrine – The Shrine of Wealth and Fortune

When visiting Kinkasan, one must stop by Koganeyama Shrine, a sacred place dedicated to the God of Wealth. This shrine enshrines Benzaiten, as gold was first discovered in Miyagi Prefecture here. It is also counted among Japan's Five Great Benzaiten Shrines, alongside Enoshima, Itsukushima, Chikubushima, and Tenkawa.

There is a legend that says, "If you visit for three consecutive years, you will never struggle financially in your lifetime." Because of this, many visitors have come to the shrine since ancient times. Traditionally, worshippers would stay overnight in the shrine’s lodging facilities, but nowadays, most visitors prefer a day trip. However, if you want to experience a shrine’s unique rituals or escape the noise of the world and find peace, staying overnight at the lodging is recommended.

When visiting Koganeyama Shrine, don’t forget to stop by the "Zeniarai" (Money Washing) Spot. It is believed that washing coins there and keeping them in your wallet will increase your financial fortune.

Another highlight around Koganeyama Shrine is the abundant wildlife, especially deer and monkeys. The island is home to over 500 deer, and they can be seen all around. These deer, while wild, are considered messengers of the gods and are treated with great respect.

Kinkasan is home to a total of eight shrines, including Koganeyama Shrine. As they are spread across the mountains, visiting all of them requires physical endurance. However, if you have a strong wish to fulfill, why not try visiting them all?

Kinkasan Lighthouse, Built in 1876

At the southeastern tip of Kinkasan stands Kinkasan Lighthouse, designed by R.H. Branton in 1876. It is the oldest stone lighthouse in the Tohoku region, and today, visitors can reach it via a hiking trail.

The walk from Kinkasan Port to the lighthouse takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes on foot.

Enjoy a Stunning Panoramic View at Oshika Gobancho Park!

For breathtaking views of Kinkasan, head to Oshika Gobancho Park in Ayukawa, Ishinomaki City. Located at the very tip of the Oshika Peninsula, this park offers spectacular vistas of Kinkasan, along with Ajishima and Tashirojima islands.

Historically, this site was a strategic lookout point for the Sendai Domain, used to monitor the approach of foreign ships. Today, visitors can still enjoy the same unspoiled scenery that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Enhance Your Fortune with a Sacred Sankō (Okómori) Retreat!

Before the Edo period, visiting Kinkasan wasn't just a day trip—it was a spiritual journey that included an overnight stay at the shrine, a practice known as Sankō (Okómori). While this was partly due to travel constraints, it was also believed that spending a night in the sacred environment of Kinkasan purified the body and soul, ensuring a deeper spiritual blessing.

Kinkasan is a small but fascinating island, spanning 26 km in circumference and reaching an elevation of 445 meters. Its rocky terrain is dotted with uniquely shaped formations, making it an excellent destination for exploration and nature walks.

Those who take part in Sankō can also attend the "Ichiban Dai-Goma Prayer" held the next morning. This special fire ceremony is an exclusive privilege for overnight guests, allowing them to offer their wishes in a deeply spiritual setting.

◎Savor the Famous "Kinka Saba" Mackerel!

No trip to Kinkasan is complete without tasting its famous Kinka Saba (Kinka Mackerel). This prized fish, nurtured in the cold waters of Sanriku, is exceptionally rich in flavor, with a perfect balance of fat and firm texture. Ishinomaki City is home to many restaurants that serve fresh Kinka Saba dishes, so don’t miss the chance to try this local specialty!

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Miyagi’s Renowned Money Luck Power Spot! A Guide to Sightseeing in Kinkasan