Kinomiya Shrine (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Kinomiya Shrine?
What makes it 85% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can pray, collect a shrine stamp, and enjoy coffee quietly; the small, free grounds beside Kinomiya Station need no schedule coordination, giving high flexibility.
Positives:
- Flexible hours: Shrine grounds open 24 hours for early or late visits.
- Free entrance: No admission fee lets you explore without time pressure.
- Easy access: A 5-minute walk from Kinomiya Station on the JR Ito Line.
Challenges:
- Service start time: Cafés and charm counters open at 9 am; morning entry may not include full services.
- Uneven paths: Some walkways use gravel or stone; wear sturdy shoes.
- Limited English signage: Bring a translation app as most signs are in Japanese only.
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 solo trip?
- Free 24 hour access lets you choose your own schedule
- Hand-drawn goshuin stamps make unique souvenirs
- 2,000-year-old camphor tree ritual adds local legend to your trip
- Quiet cafés on-site are perfect for journaling solo
- LED night lights turn the shrine into a magical evening spot
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: You can complete key prayers, charm shopping, and a café visit within 1–2 hours.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Kinomiya Shrine
Pray at Benten Rock:
Place a coin on the Benzaiten rock and touch it for career or money luck.
Tip: Come early to avoid lines at the rock area.
Collect a goshuin shrine stamp:
Receive a hand-drawn seal in your goshuin book as a keepsake.
Tip: Bring your own book; counters open from 9 am.
Buy a protective mamori charm:
Choose a Shunan Yoke or Jamushi Yoke charm for self-control or bug protection.
Tip: Charms cost around 500 JPY each at the main office.
Journal at a café:
Sip coffee or amazake at Houko or Oyasumi-dokoro and write in your travel journal.
Tip: Order a drink around 400 JPY and grab a seat under the big tree.
Experience the camphor tree ritual:
Walk clockwise around the 2,000-year-old Great Camphor Tree to make a silent wish.
Tip: Count your steps for a mindful circuit; area is quieter in the morning.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Kinomiya Shrine
- Visit before 9 am: Enjoy the camphor tree ritual in solitude before shoppers arrive.
- Group purchases: Buy charms and stamps in one visit to save time at the counter.
- Travel light: Store heavy bags in lockers at Atami Station before your visit.
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)?
After sunset, stay until 11 pm to see 160 LED lights softly illuminate the camphor tree for a magical night visit.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry and prayer | JPY 0 |
| Goshuin stamp | JPY 500 |
| Protective mamori charm | JPY 500 |
| Coffee or amazake | JPY 400 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,400 |
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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