Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Japan's Mikami Shrine Goes Viral for Hair Prayers
There's a special shrine in Japan called Mikami Shrine that's all about hair.
It's near a famous bamboo forest in Kyoto.
People go there to pray for healthier hair or to pass exams to become hairstylists.
The shrine is dedicated to a man named Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, who is believed to be Japan's first hairdresser.
When you visit, a priest cuts a small strand of your hair and puts it in a special envelope to pray for your hair's well-being.
The shrine is popular with both locals and travelers, and it even sells cute hair-themed charms.
It's a unique and peaceful place to visit, especially if you're interested in hair or Japanese culture.
Mikami Shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to hair health and growth, attracting travelers and locals alike.
The shrine's unique prayer ritual involves a priest cutting a strand of hair and placing it in a prayer envelope.
Dedicated to Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, Japan's first recorded hairdresser, the shrine has historical significance in the hairstyling profession.
Visitors include local barbers seeking blessings, students preparing for beautician exams, and travelers hoping for healthier hair.
The shrine offers comb-shaped wooden plaques and hair-themed charms as special offerings.
- Who
- Travelers, local barbers, and beautician students
- What
- A shrine dedicated to hair health and growth
- When
- Ongoing, with a monthly observance on the 17th
- Where
- Near Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo forest, Japan
- Why
- To seek blessings for hair health, growth, and exam success for hairstylists
- Location
- Near Kyoto's Arashiyama bamboo forest, Japan
- Dedication
- Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, Japan's first recorded hairdresser
- Unique Prayer Ritual
- Priest cuts a strand of hair, placed in a prayer envelope
- Visitors
- Local barbers, beautician students, and travelers
- Special Offerings
- Comb-shaped wooden plaques and hair-themed charms