(Image source from: Timesofindia.indiatimes.com)
Nestled close to Kyoto's famously photographed Arashiyama bamboo grove is a shrine that has captured the Internet’s attention, but it has nothing to do with romance, fortune, or long life. Instead, it focuses on hair. Mikami Shrine, which is gaining popularity thanks to travel influencer Shervin Abdolhamidi, also known as shervin_travels on Instagram, is the only shrine in Japan (and indeed the world) solely dedicated to hair. Yes, you read that right – hair. This includes everything from encouraging hair growth and maintaining hair health to easing worries about hair loss and test anxiety for aspiring hairstylists, all in one quietly lovely location in Kyoto. "The way you pray here is special. You buy a prayer envelope, and then a priest takes a tiny piece of your hair and places it in the envelope. You pray to the Kami (Masayuki Fujiwara) before returning the envelope to the priest, who then prays for your hair's well-being. I’m not really into this kind of thing, but it’s worth trying," says Shervin.
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The background story is equally intriguing. Mikami Shrine honors Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, thought to be Japan’s first known hairdresser. According to legend, during the Kamakura period, he started cutting and styling hair to provide for his family, unwittingly establishing the groundwork for an entire industry. His talent and commitment were so respected that for hundreds of years, barbers and salons throughout Japan closed their doors on the 17th of each month to commemorate the anniversary of his death. Fast forward to today, and Mikami Shrine has attracted a diverse audience beyond just the hairstyling community in Kyoto. Nowadays, it draws local barbers seeking blessings, students getting ready for Japan's national beautician exams, and tourists wishing for fuller hair or healthier tresses. There are even wooden plaques in the shape of combs and charms related to hair, naturally. What makes Mikami Shrine particularly enjoyable as a travel destination is its setting. It is situated peacefully near one of Kyoto's most popular tourist spots, yet it remains tranquil and humble.
