"9 Famous Shrines for Matchmaking Across Japan to Visit with Your Partner Before the Ceremony, Plus a Collection of Must-Take Couple Photos!"

2016.10.21 published

Wishing to Be Together with Him Forever...♡

In Japan, there are matchmaking shrines across the country♩ If you visit famous matchmaking shrines together with him and pray, you'll surely be able to lead a happy married life♡

As a matchmaking shrine, there are many photo spots within the shrine that couples would love to take pictures at♡ Visit with a travel mood before the wedding and create wonderful memories before becoming husband and wife♩

Here are some shrines that are renowned for matchmaking benefits across the country♩

Matchmaking Shrine ① Koi-ki Shrine / Fukuoka Prefecture

The only shrine in Japan that enshrines “Koi no Mikoto,” Koi-ki Shrine♩ Its charm lies in the numerous hearts adorning various places like the approach, torii gates, and stone lanterns♡ Not only does it grant good relationships, but it also gathers support from girls as a photogenic spot＊

The torii gate filled with hearts is the best spot for taking photos with him! Let's hold hands and capture our innocent selves before the ceremony♡

The path lined with hearts is also very cute♡ For couples who are shy about showing their faces, taking pictures of just your feet can still create stylish photos♩

Matchmaking Shrine ② Izumo Taisha / Shimane Prefecture

Known as the strongest spot for matchmaking in Japan, Izumo Taisha is a sacred place with the power to change fortunes＊ The effects of the talismans here are significant, providing a reliable presence for various romantic concerns such as good relationships with someone you are interested in or new encounters after heartbreak♡

A large shimenawa (sacred rope) is the trademark of Izumo Taisha♩ You definitely want to capture this majestic shimenawa in a photo＊

Another feature of Izumo Taisha is the rabbits scattered throughout the area♡ Don’t forget to take pictures of you making a prayer pose with the cute rabbits♩

Matchmaking Shrine ③ Jishu Shrine / Kyoto Prefecture

The famous matchmaking shrine in Kyoto is Jishu Shrine, located next to Kiyomizu Temple＊ Since it has long been performing shinto weddings, it has naturally become a place where people come to wish for success in love＊

The "Love Fortune-Telling Stone" at Jishu Shrine involves closing your eyes and walking between two stones about 10 meters apart. If you safely reach the stone on the opposite side, your love will come true♩ Be sure to give it a try when you visit＊

Matchmaking Shrine ④ Ikuta Shrine / Hyogo Prefecture

Known as the matchmaking shrine of Kobe, Ikuta Shrine♩ It has naturally become a destination for those wishing for love success, having been performing shinto weddings since before the war＊

Ikuta Shrine has a unique type of fortune called “Mizu-Mikuj”♩ When you immerse it in the water of the pond located in the forest of Ikuta Shrine, characters float to the surface＊

A recommended photo spot at Ikuta Shrine is the path of overlapping red torii gates＊ If you take a wide shot capturing the two of you, it will create an enchanting photo♩

Matchmaking Shrine ⑤ Koi no Mizu Shrine / Aichi Prefecture

Koi no Mizu Shrine with its lovely light blue torii gate is said to bring love when you drink water that springs near the handwashing area♡

This water, when scooped and used to write wishes on paper cups, is said to grant those wishes, making it a popular spot for young couples as a matchmaking shrine♩ Be sure to photograph the paper cup with your wish to never forget it forever♡

Matchmaking Shrine ⑥ Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine / Saitama Prefecture

Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is home to five deities, including Susanoo no Mikoto, and is loved for its benefits in marital harmony and matchmaking because it includes two pairs of couples♩

The shrine's fortunes and omamori (protective charms), like the “Ai-tai” and “Matchmaking Ball” wrapped in hemp nets, are not only cute but also extremely popular among girls♡ With a cute matchmaking charm, you might find lifelong happiness＊

The "Matchmaking Wind Chime" event held from July to August features colorful Edo wind chimes adorned with wooden strips on which wishes are written, creating a fantastic space＊ This wind chime corridor is a very photogenic spot, so be sure to take pictures with him♩

Matchmaking Shrine ⑦ Hakone Shrine / Kanagawa Prefecture

Hakone Shrine is a matchmaking shrine in Hakone＊ It boasts a multitude of benefits such as matchmaking, financial luck, winning luck, and prosperity!

The torii gate standing in the water is truly fantastical and beautiful＊ Let's take pictures in front of the torii gate to create lasting memories♩

Matchmaking Shrine ⑧ Tokyo Daijingu / Tokyo Prefecture

Located just a 5-minute walk from Iidabashi Station, Tokyo Daijingu, surrounded by urban buildings, has gained popularity as a readily accessible matchmaking shrine in the city＊ The “縁結び鈴蘭守り” (Matchmaking Lily of the Valley Talisman), inspired by the flower language of “happiness is coming,” seems to be particularly popular, so definitely want to get your hands on one!

Many couples hold their ceremonies at Tokyo Daijingu due to its good location and convenient transportation♩ The solemn shrine is truly a fitting place for a once-in-a-lifetime wedding＊

Matchmaking Shrine ⑨ Keta Taisha / Ishikawa Prefecture

As its name suggests, this shrine collects a lot of "energy," enshrining Okuninushi no Kami, who has overcome numerous trials to achieve love, making it popular for its matchmaking benefits♩ It uniquely features a dedicated prayer location “Kirei Musubidokoro,” so be sure to make a wish there♡

Let's write our wishes on the heart-shaped ema (wooden plaques)♩ Since it's before the wedding ceremony, you should be able to wish for the happiness of the two of you with fresh feelings＊

Let's Pray at Matchmaking Shrines Before the Ceremony♩

There are countless shrines across the country where you can wish for good matchmaking♡ Let’s combine a trip to pray for a happy married life with him＊ Don’t forget to capture photos at adorable photo spots unique to matchmaking shrines♩

Be sure to visit a matchmaking shrine before the ceremony♩