Kinomiya Shrine in Atami is known as one of Japan’s most famous power spots. While it isn’t very large in scale, the shrine grounds are packed with highlights, such as a 2,000-year-old sacred camphor tree, an Inari Shrine with a series of red torii gates, Benten Rock said to house a deity, and sacred spring water. In recent years, the on-site café has been renovated for tourists, making it a popular sightseeing spot, especially among young women. Now, let’s take a look at the highlights of Kinomiya Shrine.
History of Kinomiya Shrine
The exact period when Kinomiya Shrine was founded is unknown, but according to shrine legend, it all started in 710 AD with a fisherman’s act. One day, something got caught in his fishing net. When he pulled it up, he found it was a wooden statue. He decided to enshrine it under a tree and offered roasted barley.
That night, a child named Itakeru-no-Mikoto appeared in his dream and pleaded, "Please enshrine me in a place where the sound of the waves cannot be heard." The villagers then found the current location and relocated the shrine there. Because they worshipped the tree's roots as the sacred object, the shrine came to be called "Kinomiya" (Shrine of the Tree).
By the way, Kinomiya Shrine enshrines three deities: Oonamuchi-no-Mikoto, the god of matchmaking; Itakeru-no-Mikoto, the god of life; and Yamato Takeru-no-Mikoto, the god of bravery.
Kinomiya Shrine is cherished as "the place where the god of Atami resides" and is widely believed to be a powerful spiritual spot with various blessings.
Name: Kinomiya Shrine
Address: 43-1 Nishiyamacho, Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture
Official Website: http://kinomiya.or.jp/
The Over 2,000-Year-Old Sacred Camphor Tree
Standing majestically at the back-left of the main shrine is the sacred camphor tree, designated as a national natural monument. This camphor tree is said to be the largest on Japan's main island (Honshu), with a trunk circumference of about 24 meters. It’s believed that walking around its trunk once will extend your life by one year or grant your wish. This draws countless visitors throughout the year.
But it’s not just the size that amazes people. The tree is believed to be over 2,000 years old, and its vital energy is said to bring blessings such as "good health and longevity," "prosperity of descendants," and "the fulfillment of wishes." You can even touch the tree directly, so why not receive some of its power yourself?
The Second Sacred Camphor Tree, Which Survived a Lightning Strike
Near the entrance of the approach to the shrine stands the "Second Sacred Camphor Tree," which is next in size to the largest camphor tree on Honshu. Its trunk circumference is about 9.5 meters, a bit smaller than the main sacred tree. However, the Second Camphor Tree is famous not for its size but for its incredible resilience.
Over 300 years ago, it was struck by lightning, and the inside of the tree became almost hollow. Despite this, it revived and continues to thrive, which is why it’s now worshipped as a power spot for rekindling relationships.
If you wish to reconnect with a partner you broke up with or want to meet someone again, this is the place to visit.
Praying to Benzaiten—Climbing the Ladder of Success Is No Dream!
The sacred object enshrined at Kinomiya Shrine's Benzaiten was obtained by a samurai retainer of the Tokugawa family. Hoping for career success, he journeyed from Edo to Kinkasan (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture), underwent strict training, and brought it back. This is why Benzaiten is believed to bless people with "artistic skill" and "success in life."
Right next to it is Benten Rock, where you’ll see worshippers placing money on top of the rock for purification. It’s said that simply touching the rock has a cleansing effect, so if you’re hoping for better luck with money or career advancement, be sure to visit. Benzaiten is located on the right side of the main shrine.
A Variety of Unique Omamori (Charms)
One of the must-check highlights at Kinomiya Shrine is its wide variety of omamori (protective charms). They offer unique amulets you won’t find elsewhere, such as the "Shunan Yoke Mamori" for protection from alcohol-related troubles and to support quitting drinking, the "Jamushi Yoke Mamori" to ward off harmful insects, and the "Okusu Chouju Mamori" for longevity, blessed by the sacred camphor tree.
The "Shunan Yoke Mamori" originates from the legend of Kinomiya Shrine’s deity, who once drank too much and encountered misfortune, leading to a vow of abstinence. Meanwhile, the "Jamushi Yoke Mamori" was inspired by the camphor tree’s natural insect-repellent properties.
There’s also the cute ribbon-shaped "Enmusubi Mamori" (matchmaking charm), which is popular on social media thanks to its adorable appearance and its effectiveness in bringing people together.
Take a Break with “Raifuku Sweets” ☆
One of the fun experiences at Kinomiya Shrine is trying their local specialty sweets, which are quite rare to find at a shrine. Known as “Raifuku Sweets,” these treats are made using ingredients once offered to the enshrined deity, such as roasted barley flour (mugi-kogashi), lily root, and tokoro (a type of yam).
You’ll find a variety of sweets like roasted barley soft-serve ice cream, steamed buns, sweet red bean soup, sponge cakes, and sablé cookies. There are even breads and roll cakes inspired by the symbol of the shrine—the Great Camphor Tree. These treats are popular with visitors of all ages. You can enjoy these famous “Raifuku Sweets” at the café "Houko" or the "Oyasumi-dokoro" rest area within the shrine grounds.
◎ Other Nearby Power Spots
Right near Kinomiya Shrine, you’ll find "Yumae Shrine," which enshrines the deity of hot springs. Here, you can also experience the "Ooyu," the source of Atami’s famous hot springs.
In the Izu-san area, there’s "Izusan Shrine," known as a matchmaking power spot where Minamoto no Yoritomo and Hojo Masako are said to have met in secret. If you head towards Ajiro, you’ll come across "Shimotaga Shrine" and "Wadaki Shrine." In particular, Wadaki Shrine is considered a powerful spiritual spot where energy gathers from both the mountains and the sea. If you have time, be sure to visit!