Outdoor Tea Ceremony at Iwanuma "Snake Shrine"

Seeking peace of mind? A tiny bit of financial luck doesn’t hurt! Why not visit the legendary “Snake Shrine,” where a bit of local superstition and a traditional tea ceremony with a tea master will set you up for prosperity and bliss. Rural Iwanuma, 20 minutes by train from the buzzing Sendai Station, is home to the enchanted Kanahebisui-jinja Shrine. This Shinto shrine is a place of worship thought to replenish your pockets and bring financial prosperity your way.

This is why hundreds of Japanese folks come to the shrine, touch the snake-shaped stones, and clink some coins into offering boxes. Make sure to rub your hand on the iconic stones for your share of luck while you learn about the shrine’s unique power from your English-speaking guide. Unfortunately, money does not grow on trees, they say, and the beautiful, lush wisteria trees that enrich the shrine grounds are no exception. Yet, the purple "nine-headed dragon" wisteria that blooms in early May surely makes for the most stunning view.

During this tour, you’ll have a Zen-like spiritual experience. The open-air tea ceremony performed by an accomplished kimono-clad tea master will fill your soul with joy and provide you with a sense of relaxation. Experience a whirlwind of pastel-tinted traditional wagashi sweets and matcha green tea, of skillfully crafted Japanese pottery and of deeply-rooted culture. Learn all you need to know about the Japanese tea ceremony while you soak up the sunlight shining through wisteria trees.