Gold-Snake-Water Shrine

Kanahebisui Jinja (金蛇水神社) is a very special place. Its characters mean “Gold”, “Snake”, “Water” “Shrine”. At first, I thought that implied a shrine honoring golden snakes. But my Japanese teacher, Rumiko, informed me that the snake here is white and is said to bring good financial fortune. So, even though this place is not conveniently located, it is usually bursting with hopeful, and respectful, visitors.

Rumiko and I have a Japanese “lesson” once a month. Rather than a formal class, we always make an interesting day trip. Of course, we only speak Japanese. This time we went to Kanahebisui Jinja, not for snakes or money, but rather for flowers. Its peonies are as famous as its promise of wealth. There are also wisteria and azaleas, and gorgeous foliage in autumn.

We got there a day after rain and wind, but even so, some of the flowers graciously remained in full bloom. We wandered and savored.

But there was much more. Rumiko told me temples and shrines need to make efforts to keep young people interested. So, some are coming up with interesting ideas. Kanahebisui Jinja has joined that endeavor.

Besides the main shrine, there is now a devotional waterfall. The water is bitingly cold. But even so, people stand under it to purify themselves and to pray.

Further up a hill there is a new pathway that leads to a small shrine. It is especially for hopeful lovers. 

The views from the top are expansive and promising. The effort to get there and the wide perspective it allows seem to subtly suggest the challenges and rewards of any long-lasting relationship.

This month’s Japanese outing was very refreshing and peaceful. Even now, a few days later, I carry that gentleness within me. The incessant noise that constantly bombards us in our daily lives is no match for this reservoir of inner stillness.

Love,

Anne