Most Shinto shrines look pretty similar to each other, but Mikane Shrine in downtown Kyoto stands out for the golden torii gate. Visitors come to pray to a guardian deity of metals, including gold, in hopes of receiving fortune in their financial affairs. On New Year’s Day this year, there was a line stretching around the block with a three-hour wait. I prefer to avoid the crowds.
ほとんどの神社はよう似ているけど、京都にある御金神社は金色の鳥居がひときわ目を引く。参拝者は、金運を授かることを願い、金を含む金属の守護神に祈りを捧げにやってくる。今年の元旦には、3時間待ちの行列があった！そんなに待ちたくないわ。
©Alexander Farrell