Mefu-jinja Shrine, located in Kyoto Prefecture, is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the kami of commerce and prosperity. The shrine's name, 'mefu,' refers to the art of making new clothes by cutting and pasting old fabric, which symbolizes the recycling of resources and the cycle of life. According to local legend, the shrine was established during the Heian period (794-1185 CE) to ensure a bountiful harvest and good fortune for merchants.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- null
- Kami enshrined
- null
- Coordinates
- 34.817214, 135.3582955
Visitor tip
When visiting Mefu-jinja Shrine, try to visit during the spring festival, where you can see the colorful fabric banners that adorn the shrine's gates and walls, which represent the cycle of life and the recycling of resources.
Cultural notes
As a shrine dedicated to commerce, Mefu-jinja is often visited by merchants and traders seeking good fortune and prosperity. The shrine's architecture reflects its role as a guardian of economic success, with intricately carved wooden doors and walls adorned with designs inspired by textiles and fabrics.
Historical note
The shrine's current structure dates back to the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE), when it was rebuilt after being destroyed by an earthquake.