Five Reasons to Visit Kanesui Shrine
Kanesui Shrine, located in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, is just about 30 minutes away from Sendai City by train and bus. This shrine offers a unique blend of "wealth, fortune, nature, and healing" that will captivate your heart. Here are five compelling reasons to visit this enchanting spot right away! ✨
① Incredible Blessings for Wealth and Business Success
The shrine enshrines the main deity "Kanesui Okami (Mizuhaya-hime no Mikoto)," and has long been regarded as one of the most powerful spiritual spots in the Tohoku region. It is believed to grant wishes for financial prosperity, business success, protection from misfortune, recovery from illness, and more.
② Touch the "Serpentinite" for a Wealth-Boosting Experience
On the south side of the shrine hall, you'll find natural stones called "serpentinite." It is said that choosing one intuitively and rubbing it with your hands or wallet can bring good fortune. The thrill of choosing a stone and experiencing its blessings is truly delightful.
③ A Floral Sanctuary with 300-Year-Old Wisteria and Over 1,000 Peonies
The shrine grounds feature a wisteria tree known as "Nine Dragons Wisteria," which is approximately 300 years old, as well as a peony garden with around 1,300 peony plants spanning 100 varieties. In mid-May, the annual flower festival transforms the shrine into a vibrant and colorful haven.
④ Relax at the Modern "Sando Terrace"
Opened in 2021, the "Sando Terrace" is an outer garden facility designed with motifs of snakes and water. It houses a café and souvenir shop where you can enjoy unique shrine-themed treats like white snake bread and white snake soft serve ice cream. It's the perfect spot to unwind after your visit.
⑤ Quiet Prayer at the Clay Bell Dedication Area and Natural Gardens
The shrine features a dedication area filled with clay bells shaped like snakes, each imbued with prayers and gratitude. Additionally, the peony garden and water garden behind the shrine offer a serene space where tranquility and the vitality of nature coexist.
・Legend of Swordsmith Sanjo Munechika: During the Heian period, a swordsmith from Kyoto visited this area and was moved by the pure water. He dedicated a snake statue, leading to the shrine being named "Kanesui Shrine."
• White Snake as Benzaiten's Messenger: It is said that the image of a white snake can be seen in the hollow of the sacred tree, connecting the shrine to Benzaiten worship, which is associated with blessings of "wealth and wisdom."
• Branch Shrines in Central Sendai: There are branch shrines in Ichibancho, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, where people regularly pray for business success.
Easily accessible from Sendai, Kanesui Shrine is a treasure trove of wealth, nature, and delightful experiences. Whether you're looking to attract good fortune or simply enjoy seasonal flowers at a leisurely pace, this shrine is a must-visit destination! 🌿