2025 Iwanuma Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

I bought a one-day ticket for Sendai, took a bus from Sendai to Iwanuma Station, and changed to an Iwanuma citizen bus outside the west exit of the station to the Kinsuisu Shrine. The place where I got off was a bit desolate, but there was a large parking lot near the shrine, and there was also a new and beautiful rest area on the approach to the shrine. After entering the shrine, there were fresh glass wind chimes hanging on the wisteria trellis that had not bloomed. I continued to move forward. On the right were the Goshuin and Zeniwa (bamboo baskets); on the left were the amulet collection and payment area, as well as hand water and money washing water. There was a serpentine stone on the side of the main hall. I touched it unavoidably and touched it with my wallet to get the spiritual energy and hope that money would come in. Money washing or water fortune sticks (the words will appear when the fortune sticks are placed in water) both make people feel full of ritual! It was a drizzly July when I visited, and the peonies had already fallen. Walking into the peony garden, I could still see the blooming hydrangeas, which was also a small blessing! #2025乙巳年

#summervacay ## **Why Visit Takekoma Inari Shrine?** ✅ **One of Japan’s Top 3 Inari Shrines** – Less crowded than Fushimi Inari! ✅ **Easy Train Access** – Just 2.5 hours from Tokyo. ✅ **Magical Tunnel of Red Torii Gates** – Perfect for solo photos without the crowds. ✅ **Rich History** – Founded in 842 AD, with a mystical fox legend. --- ## **Budget Travel Guide** 💴 ### **🚆 Getting There (From Tokyo)** 1. **Shinkansen to Sendai** (1.5hr, ¥11,000) → Local train to Iwanuma (20min, ¥320) *OR* 2. **JR Joban Line (Budget Option)** – Direct to Iwanuma (3.5hr, ¥4,500) From Iwanuma Station: - 15-min walk or short taxi ride (¥800) to the shrine. ✔ **Money-Saving Tip:** Use a **JR East Pass** if exploring more of Tohoku! --- ## **Solo Explorer’s Must-Do List** 🦊 ### **1. Walk the Torii Gate Tunnel** 🏮 - Fewer tourists = perfect for peaceful reflection or photography. - Best light: **Early morning or sunset**. ### **2. Meet the Guardian Foxes** 🦊 - Over **100 fox statues**—find your favorite! - Write a wish on an **ema (fox-shaped plaque)**. ### **3. Try Inari Sushi Nearby** 🍣 - Local shops sell **fox-themed snacks** (legend says foxes love fried tofu!). ### **4. Visit the Secret Bamboo Grove** 🎋 - Behind the shrine—a quiet spot most miss. ### **5. Seasonal Surprises** - **Spring:** Cherry blossoms around the shrine. - **Autumn:** Stunning red maple leaves. --- ## **Budget Tips** ✔ **Free Entry** – No admission fee! ✔ **Pack a Bento** – Eat at the shrine’s peaceful grounds. ✔ **Stay in Sendai** – More affordable than Tokyo (hostels from ¥2,500/night). --- ## **Where to Stay Nearby** 🏠 - **Sendai Guesthouse** (¥2,800/night) – Social & clean. - **Iwanuma Business Hotel** (¥4,500/night) – Close to the shrine. --- ## **Best Hashtags for Your Trip** 📸 #HiddenJapan #TakekomaInari #SoloTravelJapan #BudgetTravel #OffTheBeatenPath #TohokuAdventure #FoxShrine #JapanOnATrain --- ### **Final Tip** ✨ Visit on **market days (1st & 15th of the month)** for local food stalls near the shrine! **Ready for a mystical journey?** 🗝️ Comment if you need more tips! 👇 #ShrineHopping

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! 🌿

Takekoma Shrine, located in Iwanuma City, is just a 20-minute train ride from Sendai City. As one of Japan's three major Inari shrines, it boasts a rich history and charm that make it a must-visit destination. Here are five compelling reasons to plan your trip to this remarkable shrine today! ✨ 1. A Historic Shrine — Established in 842, Steeped in History Founded in 842 during the Heian period by the poet Ono no Takamura, Takekoma Shrine is one of Japan's oldest shrines, second only to Kyoto's Fushimi Inari Shrine. It has been a place of deep faith for historical figures, including Date Masamune and other feudal lords. 2. Abundant Blessings — From Daily Life to Love Connections The shrine enshrines three deities: Ukanomitama no Kami (Inari deity), Ukemochi no Kami, and Wakumusubi no Kami, who are believed to protect "clothing, food, and shelter." Visitors come seeking blessings for business prosperity, abundant harvests, traffic safety, and even matchmaking. With approximately 1.5 million annual visitors from local areas, Hokkaido, and the Kanto region, its popularity is undeniable. 3. Charming Foxes — Enjoy Exploring the Grounds The shrine grounds feature numerous "spiritual fox statues" with expressive faces and fox-themed fortune slips called "Lucky Fox Omikuji." These are especially popular as lucky charms, particularly among women. Take a stroll and find your favorite fox! 4. Convenient Access — Perfect for a Quick Afternoon Trip Takekoma Shrine is easily accessible, just a 15-minute walk from the East Exit of JR Iwanuma Station, and only a 20-minute train ride from Sendai Station. Its proximity makes it ideal for a day trip or an afternoon visit. 5. Vibrant Festivals and Enchanting Seasonal Scenery The shrine hosts the "Hatsuuma Festival" in early February, a seven-day event that attracts many visitors. In summer, the grounds are adorned with wind chimes and colorful strips of paper, creating a cool and picturesque atmosphere. The vibrant colors and soothing sounds make for a magical experience. • Unique Connection Between Horses and Foxes: The shrine grounds feature horse statues and a museum dedicated to equestrian culture, reflecting the intertwined faith in Inari deities and horses. • A Historical Transportation Hub: Iwanuma has long been a key junction connecting the Tōsandō and Tōkaidō routes, making it a significant location for the Fujiwara clan of Hiraizumi and the Date clan, contributing to the shrine's development. If you're looking for a shrine near Sendai that offers a blend of history and nature, Takekoma Shrine is the perfect choice. Let the foxes guide you to blessings and fortune during your visit! 🙏

We took a taxi to the Kinshe Water Shrine. Later we found out that there is actually a shuttle bus from Iwanuma Station to the shrine parking lot. Maybe because today is the first day of Golden Week (April 29), the parking lot of the shrine is crowded with private cars. There was a huge crowd on the way from the parking lot to the worship hall, and we had to queue up to pay incense money and worship for about ten minutes. Kanahebisujinja Shrine (かなへびすいじんじゃ) is a local shrine dedicated to the god of water and the god of wealth, known for praying for wealth, business prosperity and good health. Because the shrine's name contains the word "snake", it is often associated with the gods of wealth, white snakes, and dragon gods in Japanese beliefs. In spring, cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and the peony garden also attracts a large number of flower lovers. #日本景点 #金蛇水神社 #财运

After exiting Iwanuma Station, I walked to Takekomajinja, one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. The journey took about 15 minutes. Although not far, the strong winds along the way made the walk particularly challenging. Takekomajinja (竹駒神社) is the largest and most prominent Inari shrine in the Tohoku region of Japan, standing alongside Kyoto's Fushimi Inari and Ibaraki's Kasama Inari as one of Japan's three major Inari shrines. Established in 842 AD, it enshrines Uka-no-Mitama-no-Kami (Inari Okami), Uke Mochi-no-Kami, and Kuraokami-no-Mikoto, deities that protect agriculture, fishing, and commerce. The original worship hall was completely destroyed in a fire, and the current structure is a reconstruction. Next to the current worship hall, there is a staircase leading underground, which is the foundation left behind from before the fire. Descending the stairs, you can visit the inner shrine of Takekomajinja. This is quite rare; based on my past experiences visiting shrines in Kyoto, Tokyo, Nikko, and Mount Koya, it is uncommon for inner shrines to be open to the public for worship. The visitor rest area at Takekomajinja is filled with the scent of wood, reminiscent of the aroma in old swimming pool saunas or Korean jjimjilbangs. It creates a particularly relaxing atmosphere, even making you feel like lying down for a nap.

#aprilblooms Kinjasui Shrine is a shrine that enshrines "snake" and "water", and has been a shrine that businessmen and managers have believed to have benefitted from prosperous business and good fortune since ancient times. " It was introduced on TV and magazines as "the strongest power spot in Tohoku", and many people from all over Japan visit it every day. The golden snake Benzaiten, which is said to have a divine virtue in improving financial resources, wisdom, and skills, is enshrined in the precincts. Benzaiten sent snakes as messengers, and among them, the white snake is said to be the incarnation of Benzaiten. There is a sacred tree that looks like a white snake with a hole in the trunk of a tree, and it is also said that it has the benefits of good luck and happiness, rising financial luck, and prosperous business.

📍Location: 7 Suijin, Sanshokuyoshiji, Iwanuma, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-2464 💞Reasons for recommendation: This is a very beautiful shrine, and since ancient times it has been said to bring good luck in business and financial success, and is a shrine that is deeply revered by businessmen and executives. The deity enshrined here is the snake and the water, which are the zodiac animals of this year. There are rows of stones called serpentine inside, and it is said that if you rub your wallet against a stone you like, your financial luck will improve! Please try it when you visit. 💰Price per person: 200 yen to purify the bills and about 1000 yen for the amulet My personal recommendation for amulets is the lace amulet✨It's so beautiful that you'll want to wear it all the time🍀*゜ #Spring 0 yen trip

2025 is the year of the snake, so many people visit to pray for good fortune. After worship, you can enjoy a variety of dishes such as sweet sake and curry at the attached cafe.

📍Takekoma Shrine 1-1 Inaricho, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture 《Access》 Approx. 11 minutes on foot from the east exit of Iwanuma Station Approx. 59 minutes on foot from the east exit of Tatekoshi Station Opening hours 9:00-16:30 ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ ▶️Takekoma Shrine is revered as one of the three Inari shrines in Japan It enshrines the guardian deity of food, clothing, and shelter and is one of the most popular shrines in the Tohoku region for first-time visitors every New Year ▶️It is within walking distance of Iwanuma Station and has multiple parking lots for your convenience ▶️The grounds are lined with two-story Mukai Karamon gates and Zuishinmon gates built in the Edo period. ▶️Wind chimes and temple stamps from summer pilgrimages are popular ▶️I was surprised to find a popular ramen shop on the grounds! It was already closed, but it seems to be super popular. #Miyagi #Takekoma Shrine #Japan's Three Inari Shrines #Guardian deity #Ramen shop #Paper lantern #Winter trip #Miyagi trip #Miyagi sightseeing #0 yen trip January 2025

📍Kanehebi-suijinja Shrine Sanshokuyoshi-ji Suijin 7, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture 《Access》 Approx. 37 minutes walk from the west exit of Iwanuma Station Approx. 39 minutes walk from the bus stop Iwanuma Station East Exit/Sendai Bus Approx. 48 minutes walk from the bus stop Nishikamidaira/Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture Opening hours 8:00-16:00 ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ ▶️This shrine is said to bring good luck with money, and this year is the year of the snake and the number of visitors is increasing. ▶️This shrine is said to bring good luck with business and good fortune, and is also famous as a power spot. ▶️It is also popular as a famous spot for wisteria trellises, peonies, and hydrangeas, and locals visit it like a garden every season. ▶️It is said that you can expect to improve your luck with money by stroking the "serpentine" stone next to the main shrine with your hand or your wallet. I stroked it firmly and drew a cute snake fortune. ▶️A stylish building that you wouldn't expect to find inside a shrine. There is a rest area for worshippers, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and a cafe terrace. ▶️The most popular menu item is the visually impactful "Kinhebi Curry". It comes with a set of rice flour naan and chicken curry inspired by a white snake. They also provide purifying salt, so I sprinkled a pinch of it on it before eating. Other menu items such as snake fruit sandwiches and parfaits were very cute. #Miyagi #KinhebiSuijinja Shrine #Snake #KinhebiCurry #0YenTripJanuary2025

I went to "Kanahebi-sui Shrine" in Miyagi Prefecture. ⛩️🐍 Kanahebi-sui Shrine is located at the exit of a deep valley called Kanahebi-zawa, which flows into the Sendai Plain, and is a typical sacred place of faith in the water god. Since the deity is a snake, it has been widely worshiped since ancient times as a god who grants wishes such as prosperity in business, good fortune, protection from misfortune, recovery from illness, and even safety at sea and a large catch. This year is the year of the snake, so I went there, but there was a huge line to worship... I waited about 3 to 4 hours. There were many food stalls and power spots, so it was fun to see various places while waiting!

2025 is the year of the snake. Here are some snake-related shrines that I have visited so far. I hope it will be useful for your first visit of the year. ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ 📍 Kinhebi-suijinja Shrine, Sanshokuyoshi-ji Suijin 7, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture 《Access》About 37 minutes on foot from the west exit of Iwanuma Station, about 39 minutes on foot from the bus stop Iwanuma Station East Exit/Sendai Bus, about 48 minutes on foot from the bus stop Nishikamidaira/Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture. Free to visit [Shrine office] 8:00-16:00 🅿️ Available ▶️ It is said to bring good luck such as prosperous business and good fortune, and there are many things related to snakes! This shrine is also famous as a power spot. ▶️It is said that you can expect good fortune by stroking the "serpentine" stone next to the main hall with your hand or your wallet. I stroked it well and even drew a cute snake fortune slip. ▶️It's a stylish building that you wouldn't expect to find inside a shrine. There is a rest area for worshippers, a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and a cafe terrace. ▶️The most popular menu item is the visually impressive Kinhebi Curry. It comes with rice flour naan and chicken curry, inspired by a white snake. Purifying salt is also available, so I sprinkled a pinch on it before eating. ▶️All the other menu items were also very cute, such as snake fruit sandwiches and parfaits✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ 📍 White Snake Benzaiten 2-63 Kugeta Nishi, Moka City, Tochigi Prefecture 《Access》About 6 minutes on foot from Kugeta Station exitAbout 25 minutes on foot from Higuchi Station exitAbout 51 minutes on foot from Orimoto Station exitFree to visit【Shrine office・Money Luck Zeniarai Falls】9:00-16:00🅿️Available ▶️As soon as you pass through the torii gate, you will be greeted by two impressive white snakes, and this shrine is famous for its benefits of increasing your money luck and bringing good fortune. ▶️Amulets and votive plaques with a white snake motif are available▶️Goshuin stamp notebooks with a snake motif▶️During the New Year's shrine visit season, White Snake Leather Amulets made from snakeskin and special New Year's goshuin stamps on black paper will be distributed. ✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲✲ 📍 Hebi-Kubo Shrine 4-4-12 Futaba, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 《Access》About 5 minutes on foot from Nakanobu Station A1 exit About 7 minutes on foot from Nakanobu Station Tokyu exit About 8 minutes on foot from Ebaramachi Station Exit 1 Free to visit [Shrine office] 9:00-17:00 🅿️ None Nearby coin parking ▶️ A shrine in Tokyo that enshrines snakes ▶️ It is said that washing your coins at Shirohebi Benzaiten, a shrine that enshrines a white snake, will increase your luck in wealth and money. ▶️ There is a statue of a white snake that is said to purify and cleanse the body▶️ The "Snake Lottery" (500 yen) that is only available on snake days is very cute▶️ White Snake Benzaiten Opening Paper Cutout Goshuin and Omi Goshuin are available. #0 Yen Travel January 2025 #First Shrine Visit of the Year #Year of the Snake #Shrine #Shrine Tour #Tokyo #Hebi Kubo Shrine #Kanahebi Sui Shrine #White Snake Benzaiten #Miyagi #Tochigi

#0yentripNovember [Takekoma Shrine] 🕰️Business hours: 0600-1700 🏖️Atmosphere/Facilities: ◯ 📍Location: 1-1 Inaricho, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, 989-2443 💰Price per person: 0~ 💞Reasons why we recommend it: There is a big torii gate at the entrance, which is impressive♡♡ The sound of the wind chimes was very beautiful, and the hand washing area was also wonderful😀 There are various types of goshuin, so I wanted to visit again and again😘 I was able to receive a direct copy of the goshuin, and it cost 500 yen‼ ︎🥺 The atmosphere was quiet and calm♪

Speaking of the god of money in Miyagi Prefecture, this is it! I visited on Ichiritsumanbai Day, but it was crowded even on a weekday. The seasonal flower water basin is also lovely. There is also a new waterfall that wasn't there the last time I visited! There is also a restaurant on the premises that serves meals with a snake motif. The facilities, including the wash basin, are clean, so I had a pleasant time. The parking lot is well maintained and spacious! #Kanhebisuijinja Shrine

P1 Golden Snake Water Miyagi Prefecture, Iwanuma City ⏰Reception: 8:00～16:00 - P2 Ryusen Saitama Prefecture, Kumagaya City ⏰Reception: 9:00～16:00 - P3 Nakano Numabukuro Hikawa Tokyo, Nakano Ward ⏰Reception: 9:00～17:00 - P4 Iikasa Mountain Nagano Prefecture, Iiyama City ⏰Reception: 9:00～17:00 - P5 Houshaku Shizuoka Prefecture, Shizuoka City ⏰Reception: 9:00～16:00 - P6 Souhonzan Ninna Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto City ⏰Reception: 9:00～17:00 - P7 Toko Osaka Prefecture, Toyonaka City ⏰Reception: 9:00～17:00 - P8 Daisho Hiroshima Prefecture, Hatsukaichi City ⏰Reception: 8:00～17:00 - P9 Fukushima Hachiman Fukuoka Prefecture, Yame City ⏰Reception: 9:00～16:30

The Kanahebisui Shrine is resplendent with blooming wisteria. Wisteria is a plant native to Japan, and its mysterious and elegant purple hue is captivating. The wisteria tree at the Kanahebisui Shrine in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, is an impressive 300 years old, and its blooming season draws numerous visitors each year. A single tree can produce nine branches of wisteria, earning it the reputation of having 'Nine Dragons Wisteria.' It's a scene reminiscent of the anime 'Demon Slayer' and the movie 'Avatar.' During the peak blooming period, the shrine holds the Kanahebisui Shrine Flower Festival. In addition to wisteria, the shrine's peony garden is also a sight to behold, with a total of 100 varieties and 1,000 peony plants in full bloom, creating a stunning and moving scene. The main deity of the Kanahebisui Shrine is the white snake, which blesses people with business prosperity and financial fortune. Devotees touch their wallets to the snake-patterned stones, praying for a wealth of money to flow their way. Moreover, the shrine's café sells white snake-shaped sweets that are both cute and delicious. It is highly recommended to enjoy the flowers while taking a stroll in the Japanese garden within the shrine, spending a delightful afternoon.

"Kanahebisuijinja Shrine" in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍 𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃◌𓈒𓐍𓂃 It's a 9-minute drive from Iwanuma Station, but a 45-minute walk, so it's a shrine located far from the station. It's pronounced "Kanahebisuijinja." The deity enshrined is Kanahebi no Okami (Kanahebi no Okami). He has been worshiped as the god of water since ancient times, and now he is said to bring good fortune in money and prosperity in business. There are serpentine stones with snake patterns embossed on them lined up next to the shrine. Many people stroked the stones and tried to win their wallets on them. It is also famous for its wisteria, azaleas, and peonies, and many worshippers gather at the "Flower Festival" and "Spring Annual Festival" in May! ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ ꕥShrine name: Kinhebi-sui-jinja ꕥAddress: Sanshoku Yoshimizu-jinja 7, Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture ꕥAccess 🚉About 45 minutes walk from Iwanuma Station ✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼••┈┈┈┈••✼ #Sakura2024 #Miyagi Tourism #Shrine Tour #Shrine Visit