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Japan's Love Shrines: 10 Sacred Sites to Pray for Good Relationships
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Japan's picturesque love shrines have captivated couples, spouses, and singles for centuries. Discover romance at 10 enchanting shrines boasting distinctive charms and traditions related to good luck in relationships and marriage.
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Tokyo,Japan
Fall in Love all Over Again at Mesmerizing Love Shrines
Photo by Pixta
Many of Japan's beautiful shrines are dedicated to deity couples, such as Izanami and Izanagi, who are considered the mythological parents of the Japanese archipelago.
Such shrines are believed to offer blessings for human relationships and marriage, and are often visited by people who wish to pray for luck in love.
Read on to learn about 10 shrines in Japan said to bring blessings to the ones seeking everlasting love.
10 Shrines Dedicated To Love
1. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
2. Imado Shrine in Tokyo
3. Kuzuharaoka Shrine in Kamakura
4. Sanko Inari Shrine in Aichi
5. Yasui Konpiragu Shrine in Kyoto
6. Jishu Shrine in Kyoto
7. Tsuyu-no-Tenjinja Shrine in Osaka
8. Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine in Osaka
9. Ikuta Shrine in Kobe
10. Koinoki-jinja Shrine in Fukuoka
1. Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine (Saitama)
Photo by Pixta
One of the most sought-after shrines for love near Tokyo, the Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe is a power spot for romance and healthy family life. Enshrined in its grounds are a family of five deities, the bewedded deity couple Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Kushinadahime, their son Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, and his grandparents Ashinazuchi-no-Mikoto and Tenaduchi-no-Mikoto.
Due to its strong goldy family ties, many visit the shrine for luck and longevity of their marriages and families, alongside its beautiful photogenic spots such as the ema tunnel and seasonal decorations like chime-bells in summer.
Photo by Pixta
A popular charm is the tai fish-shaped omikuji, where visitors pay 300 yen to pick red for a standard fortune or white/pink for love, fishing for their fortune. The shrine also offers matchmaking stones, en-musubi tama, which tend to sell out in the early hours of the day.
Hikawa Shrine's allure lies in its Edo-style ambiance and scenic beauty. To immerse in Japanese culture, a shrine visit, sampling local cuisine, donning a kimono, and strolling through traditional townscapes are a must.
2. Imado Shrine (Tokyo)
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Formerly a shrine revered for its associations with war success under the deity Hachiman, Imado Shrine has evolved into a cherished haven dedicated to love, harmonious relationships, and matchmaking.
Imado, a renowned center for pottery, was the birthplace of Japan's iconic beckoning cats, known as maneki-neko. Amidst the artisanal creations of Imado-yaki pottery, a destitute woman facing poverty and her hungry cat's plight found inspiration in a dream where her cat urged her to create pottery cats resembling it. The success of the Maneki Neko not only lifted her from poverty but also brought prosperity to Japanese shrines and temples, marking a transformative chapter in Imado's history.
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Beyond Imado's legacy of the Maneki Neko, the tale of Samurai Minamoto no Yoshiie's triumphant prayers to the war god at the shrine, coupled with the presence of three enshrined deities, including a married pair, have contributed to its reputation for attracting luck, love, and prosperity.
According to legend, those who seek the blessings of the enshrined couple, Izanagi and Izanami, are said to find their perfect partners and experience enduring marital bliss.
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3. Kuzuharaoka Shrine in Kamakura
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Nestled amidst Kamakura's picturesque landscapes, Kuzuharaoka Shrine provides a serene escape with sweeping city views. Seasonal blooms, ranging from cherry blossoms in spring to hydrangeas during the rainy season, enchant flower enthusiasts. Revered by those seeking enduring marriages and deeper connections, visitors come to show reverence to the enshrined deities and seek assistance in matters of the heart.
Photo by Pixta
The shrine features heart-shaped ema where visitors can inscribe their wishes and aspirations and two stones known as enmusubi-ishi, revered as power spots. Seal your wish by binding a 5 yen coin to the stones with the red string of fate, then draw your fortune slip to unveil what the future holds.
Located approximately a 30-minute stroll from Kita Kamakura station and Kamakura, along the way guests can explore Genjiyama Park, renowned for its stunning cherry blossoms, and Zeniarai Benzaiten, a shrine known for the traditional money-washing ritual. Serving as a midpoint, consider visiting during the rainy season to marvel at Kita Kamakura's magnificent Hydrangea temples before meandering to the shrines, culminating in an afternoon filled with delectable cuisine and shopping in Kamakura.
4. Sanko Inari Shrine in Aichi
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Nestled beneath the grandeur of Inuyama Castle, Sanko Inari Shrine captivates visitors with its lively charm and romantic ambiance. Distinguished by its pink heart-shaped ema and fox-themed trinkets, the shrine exudes a distinct appeal. Renowned for its skill in matchmaking, it attracts those in search of enduring love.
Photo by Pixta
The shrine offers a picturesque setting for expressing affection and seeking blessings for lasting relationships amidst Inuyama's cultural riches, including the castle and culinary delights along Honmachi-Dori Street. The streets bustle with elegantly dressed individuals, imbuing Inuyama's traditional wooden structures with vivid hues and creating enchanting scenes that beg to be captured.
Following a day suffused with romance, wander through Inuyama's scenic town, seek the shrine's benevolence, and then ascend Inuyama Castle for stunning panoramic views of the city and its natural beauty. Whether you're just a swift 30-minute train journey away in central Nagano or embarking on a memorable getaway, Sanko Inari beckons you to immerse yourself in Inuyama's distinct ambiance and romantic customs.
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5. Yasui Konpiragu Shrine in Kyoto
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Maintaining a thriving relationship requires dedication and effort! Yasui Konpiragu Shrine stands out as a unique and intriguing shrine situated in the Gion district of Kyoto. Adorned with vibrant pink cherry blossoms during spring and gorgeous red lanterns, this shrine offers an authentic setting where visitors can enjoy traditional Japanese culture.
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At the heart of the shrine lies a massive enmusubi stone adorned with layers of paper wishes concerning love and relationships. To invite good fortune in love, guests acquire a paper slip with their desires and proceed to crawl through the front of the rock.
For individuals seeking to sever ties with past relationships and let go of what no longer serves them, they take their paper and crawl from the exit back to the entrance. After traversing through the narrow passage, visitors affix their wishes to the enmusubi stone using glue and offer prayers in the hopes of their aspirations being acknowledged.
6. Jishu Shrine in Kyoto
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Having withstood the test of time, Jishu Shrine is renowned as the oldest in Kyoto to house deities bestowing blessings of love and relationships!
The precinct boasts architectural wonders dating back around 1300 years, including shrines and gates designated as World Heritage Sites. Serving as a focal point for diverse deities, such as the love god Okuninushi-no-mikoto, this sanctuary is a prime destination for those in pursuit of love! Visitors can easily identify his statue next to a revered hare, steeped in folklore.
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A prominent feature of the shrine is the pair of gilded boulders, known as Koi Uranai no Ishi, esteemed since the Edo period (1603-1868) for their reputed abilities in aiding visitors with matters of love and matrimony.
However, the road to fulfillment is not without its challenges; guests desiring the fruition of their wishes must traverse ten meters with closed eyes from one rock to the other. Only upon successfully reaching the second fortune stone will their love aspirations be granted.
7. Tsuyu-no-Tenjinja Shrine in Osaka
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Situated near the Ohatsu-Tenjindori Shotengai, the historic Tsuyuten Jinja (Ohatsu Tenjin), boasting a legacy stretching back 1,300 years, allures couples and seekers of love with its poignant connection to the tragic tale that sparked the renowned kabuki production, "The Love Suicides at Sonezaki." Within these ancient precincts, unfolds the narrative of Tokubei, a soy sauce merchant, and Ohatsu, a courtesan, entwined in a saga of betrayals and unforeseen tribulations.
As Tokubei grapples with mounting debts and shattered promises, the devoted couple embarks on a solemn pact of shared demise, choosing to unite in eternity rather than face separation. Their saga, immortalized in art forms, echoes through the ages, manifesting in statues and ema that depict their unwavering bond amid life's challenges, embodying the essence of enduring love.
Guests can immerse themselves in this moving tale firsthand, meandering through the shrine's exhibitions and heartfelt tributes while exploring the sanctuary's diverse offerings, which include protective talismans and a shrine dedicated to safe childbirth, preserving the timeless heritage of love and sacrifice.
8. Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine in Osaka
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Established in 12 BC, Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine boasts a tumultuous history marked by fires and bombings that have ravaged its grounds four times. Initially known as Tamatsukuri Shrine, it paid homage to the town's heritage in magatama jewelry craftsmanship. These sacred beads are evident in carvings and artworks throughout the shrine, notably showcased in the female fox statue gracing its premises.
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Renamed Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine in 1576, it venerates the deity of Inari of Five Happinesses, a tradition that persisted until World War II. Hosting a myriad of female deities, the shrine bestows blessings associated with love, fertility, and matchmaking. Ema featuring foxes intertwined in a heart shape symbolize enduring love, mirroring the monogamous nature attributed to these creatures.
For couples seeking enduring bonds, inscribing their names on fox ema beckons divine favor, while single visitors can inscribe their names on specific foxes to enhance their prospects of finding love. With a legacy intertwined with safeguarding Osaka Castle and a rich historical tapestry, a pilgrimage to Tamatsukuri Inari Shrine in Osaka offers a glimpse into profound love blessings and captivating historical narratives.
9. Ikuta Shrine in Kobe
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Nestled in the lively port city of Kobe rests the ancient haven for lovers, Ikuta Shrine, a sanctuary attributed to Empress Jingu's creation. Dating back to the 3rd century, this 1,800-year-old refuge stands as one of Japan's most aged shrines.
Celebrated as a revered site for love, it enshrines the fabric goddess Wakahirume-no-Mikoto, believed to weave hearts together like intertwined threads.
Photo by Pixta
A distinctive feature of this sanctuary is its water fortune-telling custom. Hopeful visitors procure love fortune slips and then proceed to the forest where they place them upon the pond, revealing their fate as ink mysteriously emerges.
Charming wooden heart-shaped emas are on offer, alongside petite heart charms for safeguarding, good fortune, and more. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom, embellishing the vibrant red torii gate tunnels and imparting a touch of romantic ambiance to this enchanting shrine.
10. Koinoki Shrine in Fukuoka
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Exuding love and compassion, Koinoki Shrine houses the unique deity Koinomikoto, a singular figure within Japan's shrine panorama. The shrine was founded in 1226 by Emperor Go-Horikawa to pay homage to Sugawara Michizane, a revered poet and scholar exiled from Kyoto due to political intrigue. Departed to Daizaifu, Fukuoka, from his beloved Kyoto and family, Sugawara's poignant tale sparked concerns about his spirit causing natural calamities.
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Nestled alongside Koinomikoto, a deity embodying love and joy, Sugawara discovers solace at Koinoki Shrine, renowned for its heart-themed embellishments symbolizing affection and dedication. Adorned with heart motifs, the shrine boasts an array of hearts throughout its grounds, from heart-laden pathways to a torii gate adorned with ten heart ornaments, heart lanterns, ema plates, and more! Pink blooms grace the area alongside a colossal 600-year-old tree believed to bestow happiness on its visitors.
Hosting an array of events such as weddings and Valentine Day's celebrations, the shrine attracts seekers of love and serenity. Situated approximately an hour and a half from central Fukuoka, Koinoki Shrine's unique ambiance and lively essence invite travelers to delve into its exceptional charm and historical significance.
Explore Japan's Love Shrines
Whether you are single or in a long-term relationship, love shrines offer a fantastic opportunity to delve into Japan's traditional culture and mythology while enjoying something fresh and exciting!
From picturesque shrines that are perfect for Instagram, with their stunning surroundings that change with each season, to charming wooden plates for making wishes, we hope your visit to these shrines across Japan will be a delightful experience!
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Main image by Pixta
Written by
Tokyo,Japan
Assistant editor at MATCHA since 2023, Kate is a photographer who enjoys traveling Japan's hidden gems and adventuring off the beaten path. Living in Japan since 2018, she has traveled across different areas of Japan. From indulging in Aomori’s apple pies and fiery festivals to exploring the quaint charm of Nagasaki’s cat-filled streets she is always searching for new areas full of atmospheric beauty, festivals, and seasonal events to capture on camera.Assistant editor at MATCHA since 2023, Kate is a photographer who enjoys traveling Japan's hidden gems and adventuring off the beaten path.
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