"Visiting
"Visiting the spiritual place of Atami, Japan: Kinomiya Shrine, a must-visit spiritual charging station for tourists!"
Hi guys! Today I will take you to explore a super special attraction in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan - Kinomiya Shrine. If you are planning a trip to Atami, or just want to find a place to relax and feel the energy of nature, this is definitely a place not to be missed! As a blogger who loves traveling and shrine culture, I recently visited Kinomiya Shrine in person and was really attracted by its atmosphere and stories. Now I would like to share my experience and travel tips with you!
"What is Kinomiya Shrine? Why should we go there?"
Kinomiya Shrine is located in Atami City, just a 5-10 minute walk from JR Kinomiya Station, with very convenient transportation. It is the head shrine of 44 Kinomiya Shrines across Japan, and its history can be traced back to around 710. Although the exact time of its creation is no longer verifiable, this shrine is the patron saint in the hearts of the locals and is also the most famous "Power Spot" in Atami. It is said that the main deities here - Itakeru no Mikoto, Ōnamuchi no Mikoto and Yamato Takeru no Mikoto - are in charge of health and longevity, marriage and business prosperity respectively, so praying here is very effective!
However, what attracted me most was the stunning big camphor tree in the shrine. This sacred tree, which is over 2,000 years old, is not only the second largest camphor tree in Japan, but has also been designated a national natural monument. Legend has it that just by walking around the tree trunk, you can extend your life by a year! Of course I didn’t miss this opportunity and walked around it carefully. I felt instantly full of energy (laughs). Believe it or not, this tree really has a magical power that makes people feel at ease. Standing in front of it, it seems as if you can feel the vitality of thousands of years breathing in.
"My one-day trip to Kinomiya Shrine"
That day I took the Shinkansen from Tokyo to Atami Station, and then transferred to Kamimiya Station. It took less than two hours in total. As soon as I got off the bus, I headed straight for the shrine. The first impression when entering the Kinomiya Shrine is its large torii gate, which is very imposing. There is also a bamboo path next to it, which is very Japanese in style. Before entering, remember to wash your hands and purify your mind with clean water at the hand-watering house. This is basic etiquette for visiting a shrine!
After passing through the approach to the shrine, you will soon see the legendary big camphor tree. Its trunk is really thick, and it is said to have a circumference of 24 meters. It is so thick that two or three people holding hands cannot hug it. There is a path under the tree where you can walk around. As I walked, I made a silent wish, hoping that my family would be healthy and my journey would be safe. At night, this big nan tree will light up, and the light shining on the tree makes the atmosphere become super dreamy. Taking photos is definitely a great material for Instagram check-ins!
There is also a very special place in the shrine, which is Tea House Baogu, a small cafe that combines traditional and modern styles. I ordered a matcha latte and a Japanese dessert, sat in the wooden space, and looked at the greenery outside the window. I really felt healed. If you like the literary and artistic style, this is definitely a good choice for rest.
「Travel Tips: How to Visit Kamimiya Shrine?」
1. Transportation: From Tokyo, take the Shinkansen to Atami Station for about 50 minutes, then transfer to JR Ito Line to Kamimiya Station (1 stop, about 3 minutes), get off and walk for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can walk from Atami Station, which takes about 20 minutes, and enjoy the street view of Atami along the way.
2. Best time to visit: I recommend coming in the morning or evening. In the morning, there are fewer people and it is very quiet. In the evening, you can see the light show of Danan. In the summer, there is also the Atami Fireworks Festival, which is very atmospheric when combined with a visit to the shrine!
3. Things to do
◦ Walk around the big camphor tree and pray for health and longevity.
◦ Get a goshuin at the shrine. The goshuin here is very beautifully designed and worth collecting.
◦ Have a cup of tea at the tea house, take a break and enjoy the tranquility of the shrine.
4. Surrounding attractions: Kinomiya Shrine is not far from Atami Plum Garden and MOA Museum of Art, and can be reached on foot or by bus. If you have enough time, you might as well include these places in your itinerary. The hot springs in Atami are also worth soaking in!
"Why did you recommend me to come?"
Kinomiya Shrine is not just an ordinary tourist spot, it is truly a place where people can calm down and recharge their batteries. Whether you want to pray for something or simply want to feel the aura of a Japanese shrine, this place can give you a different experience. Especially the big nan tree. When you stand in front of it, you will feel connected with nature and your mood will become calm.
So, next time you visit Atami, don’t forget to add Kinomiya Shrine to your list! Come here with a pious heart, take a walk and make a wish, maybe good things will really happen! If you have a chance, please leave a message to tell me your experience of visiting the shrine.
#Atami #Kumiya Shrine