Mikami Shrine in Arashiyama is a unique place in Japan, famous as the country’s only hair shrine. Established in 1960, it honours Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, believed to be Japan’s first hairdresser.
Today, the shrine attracts those preparing for national barber and beautician exams or those facing hair problems. One visitor, Shervin Abdolhamidi, who faces hair loss, shared his experience at the shrine.
He explained that visitors make a hair offering called Kampatsu. First, an envelope is purchased and personal details like name and date of birth are written on it. A Shinto priest then cuts a small strand of hair, places it in the envelope and prays on behalf of the visitor. Visitors then make their own prayers to the shrine’s Kami, Fujiwara. Shervin mentioned that while there’s no guaranteed cure for hair loss, the ritual gave him hope and thought about converting to Shintoism if it worked.
Japan’s Only Hair Shrine
The traveller said, “I came to the shrine in Japan to try to cure my hair loss. This is the Mikami Shrine in Kyoto and it’s the only shrine in Japan that grants wishes for hair. That’s because the shrine is dedicated to Masayuki Fujiwara. The first recorded hairdresser in Japan. A lot of stylists and barbers visit his shrine for blessings, but also those with hair problems. The way you pray at the shrine is by making a hair offering called Kampatsu.
“First, you buy an offering envelope for about 3.5 USD and write your name and date of birth on it. The Shinto priest cuts a strand of your hair and puts it in the envelope. After that, you make a prayer to the Kami of the shrine Fujiwara, before giving it back to the priest, who will pray for the health of your hair. There’s no real cure for hair loss, so if this ends up working, I might consider converting to Shintoism,” he explained.
In the Instagram caption, Shervin Abdolhamidi wrote, “Tucked away next to the famous Arashiyama bamboo forest in Kyoto is the Mikami Shrine, the only shrine dedicated to hair. That’s because the shrine is dedicated to Fujiwara Unemenosuke Masayuki, who is said to have been the first hairdresser in Japan. He was so revered for his work that for hundreds of years, barbers and hair salons closed their shops on the day of his death each month, the 17th.”
“These days, many barbers and stylists visit his shrine to ask for blessings, or those who are taking the national barber and beautician exam. In addition, those who have wishes regarding hair visit the shrine, which includes me. After years of hair loss, I figured, why not give it a try? I don’t really believe in this stuff, but it’s worth a shot,” the content creator added.
Reacting to the post, a user wrote, “You went to the wrong country for that. Round trip ticket to Turkey or Iran.”
Another shared, “Losing hair is such a painful thing to happen. One of the saddest things when it comes to appearance for a man to experience, I think. But though I also don’t believe people when they say it to me, I genuinely think you would look just as good without hair. When the day comes, please be open to it, because you’ll look great without doubt.”
“I was just in Japan and was literally the only bald guy on every train I took for 2 weeks lol. Male pattern baldness is less common in Japan genetically, so let’s just enjoy being a rare breed in Japan,” a comment read.
An individual stated, “Try Dr Ko in Korea, or Dr Laorwong or Dr Ratchathorn in Thailand. I went to Korea, had good results. Must take finasteride or dutasteride + minoxidil daily for the rest of your life, though. My hairline is now much sharper and restored.”
Another jokingly mentioned, “Nothing comes free. So dollars have to be offered.”
One more added, “Losing hair is a hormonal thing. No point in how hard you pray. Please go to the clinic instead.”
After many suggested he go to Iran or Turkey for a hair transplant, Shervin Abdolhamidi explained that he had already undergone two hair transplant procedures. While these surgeries covered a small area at the front of his head, the hair in other areas continued to thin over time.
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