Kinomiya Shrine (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Kinomiya Shrine?
What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Couples can circle the giant camphor for longevity wishes, browse love amulets, and watch the romantic night illumination; easy access and cafés create a relaxed shared experience.
Positives:
- Free entry and long hours: Shrine opens 24 hours and has no admission fee, so you can visit early or stay for the evening light-up.
- Power spots for couples: Both camphor trees are believed to strengthen bonds and grant relationship wishes when circled.
- Romantic evening glow: The Kodama light-up creates a soft, intimate setting ideal for couples.
Challenges:
- Limited café hours: Cafés open from 9:00, so early morning visits mean no sweets until later.
- Narrow paths: The circuit around the trees can get crowded at peak times, so you may need to wait your turn.
What is Kinomiya Shrine?
- A Shinto shrine dedicated to Atami’s guardian deity and serving the Izu and Kinomiya regions
- Home to a 2,000-year-old camphor tree revered as a sacred power spot known as the "Tree of Bonds"
- Precincts featuring vermilion torii gates, stone lanterns, and classical wooden shrine architecture harmonized with the surrounding forest
What is so special about Kinomiya Shrine for couple trip?
- Free, 24-hour access with no admission fee
- Circle ancient camphor trees to make joint wishes
- Buy a matchmaking charm for unity
- Sample local barley sweets and coffee at the shrine café
- Stay after dark for a romantic LED light-up experience
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Gives enough time to circle both camphor trees, enjoy sweets, and see the LED light-up.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Kinomiya Shrine
Walk around the Great Camphor Tree:
Circle the 2,000-year-old tree once to add one year to your life and set a shared wish.
Tip: Walk clockwise in silence and hold hands mid-way to enhance the ritual connection.
Circle the Second Camphor Tree:
This smaller tree survived a lightning strike and is a power spot for rekindling bonds.
Tip: Focus on one joint wish as you make a clockwise lap together.
Buy an Enmusubi Mamori:
A matchmaking charm you can carry together for unity and love.
Tip: Visit the charm counter early to avoid queues around 10 am.
Enjoy local sweets at the café:
Try barley-flour ice cream, sweet buns or roll cakes with coffee.
Tip: Pick a bench near the main tree for a scenic view while you sip.
Catch the Kodama LED light-up:
160 LED lights illuminate the trees from sunset to 11 pm for a magical atmosphere.
Tip: Arrive 10 minutes before sunset to snag a quiet spot by the main tree.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kinomiya Shrine
- Combine station approach: Enter via Kinomiya Station tunnel path for a scenic start and fewer crowds.
- Time your visit: Visit around sunset for cooler temperatures and immediate access to the LED light-up.
- Buy charms early: Get your Enmusubi Mamori first to avoid lines later in the day.
Reviews of Kinomiya Shrine
Kay S E
What a wonderful, beautiful, traditional shrine. The treat options were great (ice cream and sweet potato chips were absolutely stood delicious), and the staff were all extremely pleasant women. Truly a life-affirming experience 💜
Dave Brothers
Beautiful shrine and kind staff. We started our goshuinmeguri here because we loved the trees and the wooden goshuincho. Even on a very hot day, the shade and trees are cooling. As with other popular shrines, please go early in the day to avoid crowds.
Erin Tom
Came on a Wednesday at 9am and while there were some people there it definitely wasn't crowded like we saw around 1 or 2 pm. It is such a lovely shrine with so many little pathways - there's a path of small tori gates (only like 8), then some stairs to view the river / stream. The shrine is said to bring good fortune and luck. It's well known for its 2000 year old camphor tree, if you walk around ...
Matias Skaglio
A temple surrounded by nature. The main attraction are the 2 centuries-old trees. There are also two cafes with outdoor tables where you can enjoy nature while drinking a coffee.
Michael Tsai
A beautiful shrine with a very old and picturesque camphor tree - walking around it is said to extend your life by one year. There was also a nice cafe on the grounds to get a nice snack or beverage. We parked at a nearby pay lot. You can get parking validated if you buy items from the shrine shop.
When is the best time to visit Kinomiya Shrine (Hakone, Japan)?
Avoid the June rainy season when lights can be dampened by mist. In spring and autumn, earlier sunsets make the LED display more vivid.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Enmusubi Mamori (charm) | JPY 500 |
| Sweet at café | JPY 500 |
| Drink at café | JPY 400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 2,300 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Kinomiya Shrine
Address: 43-1 Nishiyamachō, Atami, Shizuoka 413-0034, Japan
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About Kinomiya Shrine
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 557-82-224110 BEST nearby Activities
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