Kanjya Suijin Shrine

Overview

Kanjya Suijin Shrine, located in Iwanuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, is known as a shrine famous for its financial fortune prayers. It's revered and widely visited by worshippers seeking blessings for business prosperity, maritime safety, and financial abundance. The origins of Kanjya Suijin Shrine trace back to the middle of the Heian period, during the reign of Emperor Ichijo. Legend says that Munenaga, a swordsmith from Sanjo, Kyoto, received an imperial command to forge a sword for the Emperor. While searching for exceptional water for this task, he traveled throughout the country, eventually discovering the site of the current Kanjya Suijin Shrine in Mishiki Yoshi. Struck by the purity of the water flowing near the water deity shrine (Suijin-sha), Munenaga offered prayers and received divine favor, enabling him to forge the treasured sword. In gratitude, he is said to have meticulously crafted a pair of golden serpents and presented them to the Suijin-sha before returning to Kyoto. Since then, these golden serpents have been revered as the shrine's sacred object, and the name Kanjya Suijin Shrine (Shrine of the Golden Serpent and Water Deity) has endured to this day. Kanjya Suijin Shrine has been traditionally revered as a deity of business prosperity and financial success, and is also worshipped for maritime safety and bountiful catches. The shrine grounds are surrounded by lush greenery and offer beautiful seasonal scenery. The cherry blossoms in spring transform the grounds into a breathtaking, enchanting landscape. A cafe and a lawn area provide relaxing spaces to enjoy the ambiance. With events held regularly, it's a highly popular power spot in Tohoku.