Kanahebi Mizu Shrine

Tucked quietly into the hills of Iwanuma, this shrine is known for blessings of wealth and business prosperity. True to its name, which means golden snake, it cherishes the snake as the messenger of the gods and carries on an old faith tied to water and money. The shrine is said to date to 989, giving it a thousand years of history.

According to tradition, the swordsmith Kokaji Munechika came to this place in search of fine water and offered a golden snake in thanks, and this is said to be the origin of the shrines name. Ever since, it has gathered reverence as a god of business prosperity and abundant wealth, and has also been worshipped as a god of safety at sea and good catches. There is a spot for washing money, where those wishing for fortune quietly press their palms together.

Highlights

- Sacred objects and charms shaped like snakes. The charm to place in your wallet is popular with those hoping to raise their fortune. - The magnificent aged wisteria trellis called the Nine Dragons Wisteria. In early summer purple blossoms bloom like a waterfall. - A peony garden planted with about 1,300 shrubs. At its peak in May the grounds are wrapped in brilliant color.

Enjoying the Seasons

The flower festival period in May, when wisteria and peonies can be enjoyed at the same time, is the most beautiful season of the year. You can spend a luxurious time combining worship with a flower tour. The new year bustles with first-visit worshippers wishing for fortune, and the green-filled summer and clear-aired autumn are also calm for visiting.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Sanshikiyoshi, Iwanuma - About 10 minutes by bus from JR Iwanuma Station - By car, about 18 minutes from the Iwanuma Interchange on the Sendai Tobu Road

A Quick Tip

Wealth tends to call to mind striking it rich, but what this shrine teaches is a flow of money that circulates freely like water. It is said to be auspicious not to spend all the money you cleanse at the washing spot, but to keep some at hand as seed money. Visit in the flower season and your heart will grow rich as well.