Oh heavens, grant me love!* Japan’s Seven Most Efficacious Love Shrines

By MOOK Scenic Spots / Chen Wenlin, compiled and reported
 
With Valentine’s Day approaching, singles often find themselves envying their friends who are coupled up. In this midsummer filled with pink bubbles, there are moments when one yearns for companionship. Japanese shrines are beloved spots for praying for things and predicting fortunes, and these seven super efficacious “love shrines” can help you end your loneliness once and for all!

1. Chikatsu Shrine

Located in Kyoto, Chikatsu Shrine is especially popular among young girls and couples. The shrine’s main deity is Ōkuninushi, the god of love and matchmaking, making it one of Japan’s most famous shrines for forming connections and praying for romantic fortune. Within Chikatsu Shrine lies a very famous “Love Stone.” It’s said that the shrine’s history dates back to the mythical era of 14,000 BC, and the Love Stone is a relic from the Jomon period. The two Love Stones are about ten meters apart. Legend has it that if you close your eyes, make a wish in your heart, and walk from one Love Stone to the other while crouching down to touch it, your wish will come true if you succeed!

[Info]
Chikatsu Shrine, Kyoto
Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City
Opening Hours: 9:00–17:30

 

2. Meiji Jingu Gaien Tokyo Daijingu

Tokyo Daijingu is renowned for pioneering shrine weddings and being highly efficacious for those seeking romance—so much so that it’s said, “Just paying a visit will bring you good fortune in love.” The shrine enshrines Amaterasu, the sun goddess; the Three Creation Kami, representing the union of man and woman; and Yasakairihime-no-Mikoto, a peerlessly beautiful maiden. It’s a favorite love shrine for many unmarried women to pray at. Tokyo Daijingu also features a unique “Knot-Tying Talisman” (結縁札): just split it into two, write your name on one half and leave it at the shrine, and keep the other half with you—before long, your long-withered love life will slowly blossom anew!