Mikane Shrine (御金神社) is a small shrine in Kyoto near Nijo Castle that the guardian deity of metals and minerals. At the entrance like all Shinto shrines is a torii gate, but this one is special and very prominent. The shining golden torii gate is coated with a special paint that will not fade even though it is outdoors and exposed to the elements. In was fun making a short highlight video of Mikane Shrine.
On the grounds of the shrine, there is also a 200-year-old Ginkgo tree that never withers, no matter what the environment, and symbolizes prosperity and development, as well as eternal youth and longevity. The shrine stamp or goshuin for Mikane Shrine features gold-coloured text and makes a great collection to my shrine/temple/castle stamp collection.
I like how quaint and subtle this little shrine is whilst hiding its massive power with the Ginkgo tree power-up! Very cool!
In terms of square metres, it is definitely one of the smallest shrines I have been to