By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
As the New Year arrives, many people visit temples to pray for good fortune and kick off 2017 on a positive note. One of the most popular wishes? Love. Japan is home to numerous shrines similar to Taiwan’s famous “Moon God” (Yue Lao) temples, all dedicated to praying for love and good relationships. This time, Scenic Spots has specially selected Japan’s top five matchmaking shrines to recommend to travelers. When visiting Japan, why not stop by one of these shrines—not just for romance, but to invite good fortune for the year ahead.
One of Japan’s Top 5 Matchmaking Shrines — Hikawa Shrine (Image source: Wikipedia)
Kyoto - Jinushigami Shrine
The main deity of Jinushigami Shrine is Ōkuninushi, a famous Japanese god associated with love connections and romantic fortune. (Photography: Liao Qiyu)
W— Hikawa Shrine
Hikawa Shrine in Kawagoe boasts Japan’s largest torii gate. (Image provided by Xiaotong)
Tokyo – Imado Shrine
Among the deities enshrined at Imado Shrine are Izanagi and Izanami, the legendary first married couple who created and stabilized Japan while giving birth to many gods. They symbolize forming relationships and creating prosperity. Additionally, this shrine is the birthplace of the maneki-neko (lucky cat), with a pair of large male and female beckoning cats stationed in front of the worship hall, said to summon good relationships. (Image source: Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau)
Tokyo — Kanda Myojin
With nearly 1,300 years of history, Kanda Myojin served as the protector deity of Edo during the Edo period. The shrine’s enshrined “Ōkuninushi no Mikoto” is also known as the god of marriage. (Image source: Wikipedia)
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