By ando 
Basic Information
Name: Koganeyama jinja (commonly known as Kinkasan Koganeyama jinja)
Location: 5 Kinkasan, Ayukawahama, Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture
Enshrined kami: Kanayamahiko-no-kami, Kanayamahime-no-kami
Access: Approximately 20-35 minutes by regular ferry or sea taxi from Ayukawa Port (Ishinomaki City) or Onagawa Port. The entire island is considered a sacred area (shiniki), making it an “island where kami reside” accessible only by boat.
The Legend of Japan’s First Gold Discovery and its Connection to Todai-ji’s Great Buddha
The history of Koganeyama jinja dates back approximately 1300 years to the Tenpyo era. In 749 AD, gold was discovered for the first time in Japan in Mutsu Province (the area around present-day Wakuya Town, Miyagi Prefecture). Emperor Shomu was overjoyed by this news. This was because there was a shortage of gold needed to coat the Great Buddha of Todai-ji in Nara, which was under construction at the time, and the project had stalled.
Thanks to the presented gold, the Great Buddha was completed successfully, and a shrine building (shaden) was erected on Kinkasan Island to commemorate this event. It truly symbolizes “the dawn of Japan’s gold culture.”
The “Three-Year Consecutive Pilgrimage” Rule and the Mystery of Financial Fortune
An indispensable part of this jinja’s story is the famous saying: “If you visit for three consecutive years, you will never have financial difficulties in your life.”
There are various theories as to why it is “three years.” One theory suggests that this “strong will” and “sincere faith” shown by crossing the rough seas and continuing to visit this inconvenient remote island for three years are recognized by the kami.
Within the shrine grounds, there is also a “Zeniarai-jo” (money washing spot) where it is believed that a white snake, the messenger of Benzaiten, resides. It is believed that washing money here and keeping it in your wallet will bring financial good fortune.
An “Otherworldly Island” Protected by Deer, Messengers of the Kami
Stepping onto Kinkasan Island, you enter an “otherworldly realm” separate from Honshu. There are no permanent residents on the island other than Shinto priests (shinsoku). Instead, approximately 500 wild deer live freely as “messengers of the kami.”
While the deer are very accustomed to humans, they sometimes display sharp gazes, like guardians protecting the sacred shiniki. Furthermore, the entire island is counted as one of the “Three Great Sacred Sites of Tōoku (Osorezan, Dewa Sanzan, and Kinkasan)” and is known as a powerful spiritual spot, with untouched primeval forests and scattered gigantic rocks.
Anime Pilgrimage: “Wake Up, Girls!” and “My Deer Friend Nokotan”
Koganeyama jinja is also a special place for anime fans.
In the idol anime “Wake Up, Girls!”, episode 10 depicted the members visiting Kinkasan Island for a training camp, where they prayed for success and underwent training at Koganeyama jinja. The Sando (approach path) they actually walked and the Sanro (pilgrim lodging) facility “Horyuden” where they stayed are popular among fans as “sacred sites.”
Additionally, due to the large population of deer, it has recently gained attention as a spot related to “My Deer Friend Nokotan,” with an increasing number of fans visiting to interact with the deer.
An Insider’s Tip for Pilgrimage: The Mystique of an Overnight Stay
Koganeyama jinja offers a “Sanro” (pilgrim lodging) experience. The time spent on the island, enveloped in silence after the last boat departs, is exceptional.
At night, a sky full of stars spreads above, and in the morning, you can witness the divine sunrise over the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, the “Ichiban Kito” (first prayer ceremony), exclusive to overnight guests, is a very solemn ritual performed to the resounding sound of taiko drums. Pilgrims who are serious about attracting financial fortune are said to choose this “okomori” (seclusion/overnight stay) instead of a day trip to draw closer to the kami, making it the customary way for devout visitors.