"Unique and Famous Water Divination: Exploring the Only Shrine in Japan Dedicated to the Couple Deity at 'Meoto Daikokushi'"

A Power Spot for Marital Harmony in Nara is Trending ♡

Nara's classic tourist spots, Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha.

If you're traveling to Nara, these are must-visit destinations, right?

Most people know about Nara Park and Kasuga Taisha...

But did you know there's a power spot for marital harmony right next door? ♡

The Only Shrine in Japan that Worships the Deities of Married Couples: [Meoto Daikokusha]

This location is called Meoto Daikokusha (夫婦大国社).

It is the only shrine in Japan that enshrines the gods of married couples!

While there are many matchmaking shrines across Japan, most only worship "Okuninushi no Mikoto," the deity who appears in Japanese mythology.

In contrast, Meoto Daikokusha is notable for enshrining both Okuninushi no Mikoto and his wife together. ♡

As a result, it is especially famous for its blessings of marital harmony and household safety among matchmaking spots.

Its history dates back to the Heian period, when two deity statues were carved after welcoming the divine spirit from Izumo Taisha. Since then, it has watched over couples across various eras for 900 years. ♡

The statue of the wife is notable for holding a ladle in her hand and placing a washing tub on her head.

Many ceremonial ladles with wishes written on them have been dedicated in honor of this statue. (Initial offering fee: 1000 yen)

Newlywed wives often pray, "May I become a good wife who excels in cooking and laundry." ♡

Popular "Water Divination" at Meoto Daikokusha ♡

A popular feature among couples visiting Meoto Daikokusha is the "water divination"!

When you think of omikuji (fortune slips) at shrines, you typically imagine selecting a piece of paper from a wooden box... but the water divination at Meoto Daikokusha is both visually and methodologically unique.

You receive what looks like a blank piece of fortune paper and dip it into a large water jar in front of the shrine.

After waiting for a few minutes...

As you watch closely, letters gradually appear within a heart shape! ♡

The anticipation about what will be revealed makes the wait even more exciting.

You absolutely have to try this water divination when visiting Meoto Daikokusha! (Initial offering fee: 300 yen)

The Ema at Meoto Daikokusha are Heart-Shaped and Cute ♡

The ema (wooden plaques for wishes) at Meoto Daikokusha, where the deity of married couples is worshiped, are heart-shaped and incredibly cute! ♡

Many ema express wishes like "May we continue to be harmonious forever."

This is a spot you'd want to visit during engagements, registrations, or wedding preparations! ♡

The Couple's Amulet Features Adorable Pastel Colors ♡

The couple's amulet at Meoto Daikokusha comes in soft pastel green and pink.

Owning one seems to inspire gentle feelings towards each other.

It's also popular to decorate the amulet adorably on a board and display it in the welcome space at weddings! ♡

I Want to Visit [Meoto Daikokusha]!

I've introduced you to Meoto Daikokusha, the only shrine in Japan that enshrines the deities of married couples.

It may be the number one shrine for newlywed couples to visit! ♡

It's located very close to Nara Park, within Kasuga Taisha, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful seasons like spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

Make sure to visit when you travel to Nara!

～～Meoto Daikokusha (Kasuga Taisha)～～

Address: 160 Kasuganomachi, Nara City, Nara Prefecture

TEL: 0742-22-7788

Opening Hours: 6 AM to 6 PM (From October to March, 6:30 AM to 5 PM)

Regular Holidays: Open all year round

Admission: Free to the precincts (Special worship in front of the main hall of Kasuga Taisha: 500 yen)

➡Click here for Google Maps