Kamochi Shrine, the Only Shrine of Wealth of Its Name in Japan

In Hino, Tottori, there is a shrine called Kamochi Shrine. The auspicious place name, which means holder of gold, exists nowhere else in Japan. Drawn by that name, people from all over the country visit this quietly famous spot in the hills to pray for fortune and good luck.

The shrine has an old history said to reach back to the year 810 in the early ninth century. A child of a Shinto priest from Izumo is said to have passed through this place on the way to worship at Ise Grand Shrine when the sacred stone he carried as a charm suddenly grew heavy. Receiving a sign to build a shrine here, he enshrined it, and that was the beginning. This land was once a producer of fine steel and held many valleys where iron sand could be gathered, which is also said to be the origin of the name meaning holder of gold. It is also known for bustling with worshippers praying for fortune in the lottery season.

Highlights

• The auspicious shrine name found nowhere else in Japan
• The founding legend tied to a sacred stone and its sign
• Votive tablets and charms for fortune and good luck
• The history of the land as a producer of fine steel

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the fresh green around the path is soft, and you can pray in a refreshed mood. In summer the green is deep and the coolness of the hills is pleasant. In autumn the surroundings turn color, wrapped in a calm charm. In winter all is quiet, and you can place your wish slowly in the clear air. Many people come at the turn of the year, before a new challenge, or during the lottery season.

Access and Basic Information

• Located in Kamochi, Hino, Hino County, Tottori
• About 20 minutes via the national road from the Kofu interchange on the Yonago expressway
• A shop and prayer office stand before the path entrance
• By rail, Neu Station on the Hakubi line is the nearest

Practical Travel Notes

• The best times are the fresh green of May and June and the autumn leaves; the jumbo lottery season brings more worshippers
• Allow about 30 minutes to an hour to combine a visit and a look at the prayer shop
• The approach has stone steps, so comfortable shoes are best
• Lucky items such as Kamochi chopsticks and fortune drawing cases are offered at the shop and make a fine memento of the trip
• Set in the hills of the Chugoku mountains, winters bring snow and ice, so allow extra time when driving in the cold season
• As a budget guide, prayer is free; if you receive a lucky item or an amulet, allow from a few hundred to around a thousand yen

A Quick Tip

Drawn by the lucky name, many people renew their wallets or charms here. After praying, looking in at the shop is one of the pleasures. As it lies in the hills, plan the drive there and back with plenty of time to spare. In the cold of winter, keep an eye on road conditions for peace of mind.

📚 Sources

This article draws on published information from Hino Town and its tourism-related sources, along with the shrine tradition of Kamochi Shrine and tradition about its auspicious place name. On-site guidance in the precincts and approach was also consulted. Visiting hours and amulet-office reception may change, so please confirm official information before your visit.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: Allow about 30 minutes for the visit and a stroll of the precincts.
• Preparation: Comfortable shoes help for the mountain approach.
• Getting around: Climb the approach to worship at the main hall and tour the amulet office.
• Purpose of visit: Tied to its auspicious name, it is cherished for prayers of wealth and good fortune.
• Note: A quiet mountain shrine, it suits an unhurried visit.

Practical Information for Your Visit

• Amulet office: 10:00-16:00. The amulet office may be closed in bad weather
• Goshuin / amulet office: Goshuin seal stamps are issued at the amulet office, and the shrine's own goshuin books are also available
• Parking: There is free parking next to the Kamochi shop (the fudasho amulet counter) beside the entrance to the approach path
• Prayer rituals: By reservation only; you must book in advance by telephone or email
• Inquiries: 0859-75-2591 (Kamochi Shrine office / 1974 Ebi, Kofu Town, Hino District, Tottori Prefecture). For taxis, the Nippon Kotsu Neu office is listed at 0859-72-0219
• Official information: Kamochi Shrine official website (access and amulet office information)

* The above is a guide based on information published by each facility and local government. Hours and fees may change, so please check official information before you set out.