30 Romantic Shrines and Temples to Buy Japanese Love Charms

1. Tokyo Daijingu（東京大神宮）, Tokyo

Tokyo Daijingu is the Tokyo branch of the famous Ise Jingu. Their charms feature the white lily of the valley in their design, which is said to signify the return to happiness in the language of flowers. This shrine is popular because of its reputation as a love power spot. The shrine is a 3-minute walk from Iidabashi Station on the JR Sobu line and a 5-minute walk from the Iidabashi subway station.

HP: www.tokyodaijingu.or.jp/english/

Address: 2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

2. Kandamyoujin（神田明神）, Tokyo

As the chief local deity of Tokyo for over 1300 years, this shrine is very popular as the shrine of the guardian for a happy family life, success in businesses, and finding a partner. Recently, an increasing number of worshippers are visiting the shrine for the protection of I.T data. Success in your life is the name of the game. The shrine is a 5-minute walk from the Hijiribashi exit of Ochanomizu station.

HP: www.gotokyo.org/en/tourists/guideservice/volunteer/course_03/course_03_04.html

HP: www.kandamyoujin.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 2-16-2 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

3. Imado Jinja（今戸神社）, Tokyo

The birth place of fortune cat, known as manekineko (招き猫) in Japan,  is one of the best loved shrines in Tokyo. Izanagi and Izanami who are enshrined here are married deities who gave birth to a number children, so this is the place to pray for matchmaking, pregnancy, and smooth childbirth. The motif of the lucky charms from Imado Jinja is the fortune cats, of course. A 15-minute walk from Asakusa station.

HP: https://imadojinja1063.crayonsite.net/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-5-22 Imado, Taito-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

4. Nitta Jinja（新田神社）, Tokyo

This shrine is dedicated to a samurai warrior who died a natural death. In the Edo period, he became popular as a guardian who brought luck to his worshippers. You can find several art pieces here, and a sculpture named ‘Love shrine’ is the center of attention. It is said that a couple who take a picture in front of the sculpture will find happiness. The shrine is a 3-minute walk from Musashi-shinden Station, on the Tokyu Tamagawa line.

HP: nittajinja.org/nitta_english/index.htm

Address: 1-21-23 Yaguchi, Ota-ku, Tokyo (Google Map)

5. Kawagoe Hikawa Jinja（川越氷川神社）, Saitama

Kawagoe Shrine is over 1500 years old and is renowned for its miracle power. Enshrined are a legendary married couple, their parents, and their son, who have been prayed to for help in marriage, fertility, and family happiness since the ancient times. They sell a variety of lucky charms for love. "Enmusubi Furin," or wind chimes for matchmaking, is an event held this year from July 4th to 31st August, in which the corridors of the shrine are lined with beautiful wind chimes. If you are in the area around this time, we really recommend you pay visit to the shrine to see this beautiful sight. To get to the shrine, take the Co-Edo Loop Bus to Hikawa Jinja Mae, or the Miyashita-machi stop on the Tobu Bus from Kawagoe station, which is 20 minutes from Ikebukuro on the express on the Tobu Tojo line.

HP: www.kawagoehikawa.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 2-11-3 Miyashita-machi, Kawagoe-shi, Saitama (Google Map)

6. Hakone Jinja（箱根神社）, Hakone

Located at the foot of Mt. Hakone, along the shores of Lake Ashi, it is famous as a power spot and for its picturesque scenery. One of their lucky charms for lovers is a wooden mosaic work. It is said that only one pair with the same pattern exists in the world. The shrine is a 3-minute walk from Yama-no-Hotel stop on the Odakyu express bus, or approximately 2 hours on the Odakyu Romance Car from Shinjuku to Hakone-Yumoto by train, and a change to a connecting bus.

HP: hakonejinja.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 80-1 Motohakone, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun, Kanagawa (Google Map)

7. Nishiki Tenmangu（錦天満宮）, Kyoto

Located close to the famous Nishiki market, enshrined here is the god of academic achievement. Now, it’s also rather popular as a shrine dedicated to love. It's a play on words, with Nishiki (錦) meaning brocade, Nishiki-goi (錦鯉) meaning multicolored carp, and Koi meaning carp (鯉) and also love (恋). It is a 4-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Subway Karasuma line and Kawara-machi on the Hankyu Railway.

HP: nishikitenmangu.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 537 Nakano-cho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

8. Yui-no-Yashiro, Kifune Jinja（貴船神社　結社）, Kyoto

The Yui-no-Yashiro is a part of Kifune Shrine, famous for love. Legend has it that Iwanaga-hime, the goddess enshrined, declared to become a guardian of love fulfillment after she was declined by her sisters' spouse; both sisters were sent to be brides by their father. The shrine is a 30-minute walk from Kifune-guchi on the Eizan Railway, and a 5-minute bus ride to Kifune stop  from Kibune-guchi on the Kyoto Bus.

HP: kifunejinja.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 180 Kuramakibune-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

9. Rokkakudo（六角堂）, Kyoto

The symbol of love at this temple is a willow. In the Heian period, an emperor, looking for a lady to become his empress, was told to visit the willow at Rokkakudo Temple in a dream. He went there and found a great beauty, and they got married. It is said that if you make a wish upon the willow here, divine grace will answer you. Some people keep pigeon-shaped ornaments given with written fortunes as charms. It is a 3-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike (Subway).

HP: www.ikenobo.jp/rokkakudo/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 248 Donomae, Higashinotoin-dori Rokkaku-nishi hairu, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

10. Yasaka Jinja（八坂神社）, Kyoto

As the center of Kyoto and hosting famous Gion Matsuri, the majority of tourists visit this shrine. Enshrined is the god Susanoo, his wife, and their eight children. The deities of happiness, good health, and love. Ladies might be interested in a small shrine in the same ground, Utsukushi- Gozensha: dedicated to three beautiful goddesses. The more beautiful you are, the better your luck will be. The shrine is a 5-minute walk from Gion-Shijo on the Keihan Railway, or an 8-minute walk from Kawaramachi Station, on the Hankyu Railway.

HP: www.yasaka-jinja.or.jp/en/

Address: 625 Gion-machi Kitagawa, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

11. Imamiya Jinja（今宮神社）, Kyoto

The deities dedicated in this shrine are the guardians of long life, good health, and match-making. What makes this shrine standout is the story of a woman who married into a wealthy family and helped this shrine a lot. She was said to be a grocer’s daughter. She worked as a maid for one of Shogun’s concubines, but became his concubine herself and became the mother of the next shogun. The shrine is a 1-minute walk from Imamiya Jinja stop on City Bus #46.

HP: www.imamiyajinja.org/eng/imamiya_ENG/TOP.html

Address: 21 Murasakino Imamiya-cho, Kita-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

12. Jishu Jinja, Kiyomizu-dera（清水寺内　地主神社）, Kyoto

Located close to (almost on the same grounds) Kiyomizu Temple, this place is always crowded with tourists and worshippers asking for love. The main deity is Okuninushi who is noted for his numerous affairs, resulting in him fathering over 180 children! There are several attractions concerning match-making and good luck there. It is a 10-minute walk from Kimyomizu-guchi/ Gojo-zaka on the City Bus.

HP: www.jishujinja.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-317 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

13. Aioi-sha, Shimogamo Jinja（下鴨神社　相生社）, Kyoto

Aioi-sha is a small shrine in Shimogamo Jinja. The sacred trees, called "Renri-no-ki (連理の木)," have been worshipped as a symbol of match-making, easy childbirth, and family unity for long. In the shrine, there are two trees are entwined, with a young tree at their base. Miraculously, you can find another new pair of trees entwined when the current tree dies. The current divine trees are said to be the 4th generation. You can reach the shrine by taking the city  bus (#1, #4, #205) to Shimogamo Jinja-mae stop or a 12-minute walk from Demachi-yanagi on the Keihan Railway.

HP: https://www.shimogamo-jinja.or.jp/english/

Address: 59 Shimogamoizumigawa-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

14. Nonomiya Jinja（野々宮神社）, Kyoto

Close to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, this small shrine is famous for its appearance in the classic love story of the Heian period, ‘The Tale of Genji’. The shrine has been respected by locals as a shrine for love matching, smooth childbirth, and being blessed with good children, and it is often visited by women looking for a partner. The shrine is a 7-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the JR Sagano line and a 4-minute walk from Nonomiya on the City Bus (#28 and #11).

HP: www.nonomiya.com/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1 Saganonomiya-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

15. Yasui Konpiragu（安井金毘羅宮）, Kyoto

The temple for "breaking up." Here, you’ll find a big stone monument with a hole which is covered with a mountain of paper slips. This is called the enkiri and enmusubi stone, with enkiri meaning to break off a relationship, and enmusubi meaning to start a new relationship. The idea is that we need to break off bad relationships first to start a happy life. You can ask not only for love, but for other things that may trouble you as well. It is a 10-minute walk from Gion Shijo on the Keihan Railway, and 15 minutes from Kawaramachi on the Hankyu Railway.

HP: www.yasui-konpiragu.or.jp/en/

Address: 70, Shimobentencho,Higashio-ji Matsubara Agaru, Higashiyama-ku Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

16. Doso Jinja（道祖神社）, Kyoto

The Dosojin monument stone is normally placed at the side of the road as a protector of travelers and villagers around. Here, the stone is engraved with a happy looking pair of deities that are a couple. They are said to give you a luck with match making and a long-lasting, happy marriage. It is close to the JR Kyoto station. It is a very small shrine so keep your eyes open for it.

Address: Aburanokoji-dori, Shiokoji-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto (Google Map)

17. Taga Taisha（多賀大社）, Shiga

This shrine is dedicated to the first married deities in Japan. Legend has it that they created the first island and gave birth to the many gods and goddesses who represents the natural elements, so you can count on its divine power of match making, fertility, and longevity. Taga Taisha is reportedly the place where the first island was. You might know about its branch in Uwajima; more famous for its symbol of fertility. It is a 10-minute walk from Taga-taisha mae station on the Ohmi Railway, connected at Hikone or Maibara (JR).

HP: www.tagataisya.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 604 Taga, Taga-cho, Inukami-gun, Shiga (Google Map)

18. Kasuga Taisha（春日大社）, Nara

Kasuga Taisha is a part of the "Historic Monuments of Nara" UNESCO World Heritage site. Here we will introduce one of its affiliates, Meoto-Daikoku-sha (夫婦大黒社). This small shrine is only one which dedicated to the married deities, Daikoku and his wife. Normally, Daikoku is enshrined by himself as a god of happiness. They reportedly have been worshipped as guardians of  long lasting married life for over 900 years. The shrine is a 30-minute walk from Nara Station on the Kintetsu Railway, and a 15-minute walk from Kasuga Taisha Honden stop on the Nara Bus, bound for Kasuga Taisha Honden.

HP: www.kasugataisha.or.jp/about/index_en.html

Address: 160 Kasugano-cho, Nara-shi, Nara (Google Map)

19. Nishino Jinja（西野神社）, Hokkaido

If you are in Hokkaido, this is the right place to go to look for good matching; renowned as one of the most powerful shrines concerning love. One of the three deities enshrined here is the goddess whose specialty is match making, easy childbirth and child-rearing. A wide variety of charms are available at the shrine. It is 15 minutes by car from Hossamu Chuo (JR).

HP: nishinojinja.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 3-1−1 Heiwa 1jo, Nishi-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido (Google Map)

20. Sanko Kumano Jinja（三皇熊野神社）, Akita

This shrine has been widely known from early times for housing the guardians of marriage, fruitful union, and smooth child delivery. Enshrined are the first married deities who created the land of Japan and their two children. The numerous variety of charms shows the number of their worshippers. It is a 15-minute walk from Ugo-ushijima on the JR Uetsu line.

HP: www.sankousan.sakura.ne.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 3-10-11 Ushijima-nishi, Akita-shi, Akita (Google Map)

21. Koinomizu Jinja（恋の水神社）, Aichi

The feature of this shrine is one of its various charms. Normally you do not open the containers of the charms to keep your luck inside, but for one of the charms here, you need to open it to fulfill your wishes. You’ll find a paper with an illustration of shared umbrella. Write your name on the left-side, and the name of the person you have feelings for on the right-side. When your wish is answered, you close the opening on top of the umbrella to enclose your luck. It is a 20-minute walk from Chita-Okuda on the Meitetsu Chita Shinsen line, and 5 minutes by car from the station.

Address: 92-91 Nakashirasawa, Okuda, Mihama-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi (Google Map)

22. Shiroyama Hachimangu（城山八幡宮）, Aichi

The 3-shrine-pilgrimage to Shiroyama Hachimangu, Yamada Tenmangu (山田天満宮), and Takamu Jinja (高牟神社) is popular with young girls looking for love in Nagoya. All the shrines are within 1 hour of eachother. The sacred tree of Shiroyama Hachimangu, known as the "Renri no ki (連理の木)," splits into two once and then grows together again. This is considered to be a good sign regarding relationships, especially of marital luck. If you are in Nagoya, how about visiting one of them for your good luck in love? The shrine is 10-minute walk from Kakuozan on the Subway Higashiyama line.

HP: www.shiroyama.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 2-88 Shiroyama-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya-shi, Aichi (Google Map)

23. Keta Taisha （気多大社）, Ishikawa

Okuninushi, the god of marriage is enshrined here. As the name "keta 気多," meaning lots of life force, suggests, it is said that lots of energy flows in the shrine. The "tekichu (的中)" mark on the talismans also shows how confident they are of the power to fulfill your wishes. It is 70 minutes from Kanazawa Station (JR), 10 minutes from Hakui (JR) by bus to the Ichinomiya stop on the Hokutetsu Bus, Monzen-Kyuko line.

HP: www.keta.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 1-1 Jike-machi Ku, Hakui-shi, Ishikawa (Google Map)

24. Kumano Hayatama Taisha（熊野速玉大社）, Wakayama

Part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes on the Kii Mountain Range," this old shrine is visited by many people from Japan and overseas. The charm for marriage here is made of nuts of the nagi tree (a species of conifer), a sacred tree in the grounds. It is said to protect one from evil, too. The shrine is a 15-minute walk from Shingu Station on the JR Line.

HP: kumanohayatama.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: １ Shingu, Shingu-shi, Wakayama (Google Map)

25. Homangu Kamado Jinja（宝満宮　竈門神社）, Fukuoka

This shrine lies at the foot of Mt. Homan, which is considered as an embodiment of a god. The focus of attention here is the office newly built in 2012. It really looks like café or gallery. The answer to a prayer? Sure it is. It has been worshipped since ancient times for its divine power. You can get here by taking the community bus to Uchiyama, the last stop of ‘Mahoroba-go,’ 8 minutes from Dazaifu station.

HP: kamadojinja.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 883 Uchiyama Dazaifu-shi, Fukuoka (Google Map)

26. Koinoki Jinja（恋木神社）, Fukuoka

The only shrine dedicated to the Koinomikoto (meaning prince of love) in Japan. Any wishes concerning love, marriage and a happy married life are accepted. The ground is filled with heart shaped objects. The heart shaped charm made of porcelain tile will enhance your love life! The shrine is 8 minutes by car from Chikugo-Funagoya on the JR Kagoshima line, 24 minutes from Hakata by Shinkansen.

HP: www.mizuta-koinoki.jp/koinoki/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 62-1 Mizuta, Chikugo-shi, Fukuoka (Google Map)

27. Aso Jinja（阿蘇神社）, Kumamoto

Located in the crater of Mt. Aso, this shrine has a history of over 2000 years. In the grounds, you will find a sacred pine tree known as the "Takasago no Matsu (高砂の松)." It is said that men hoping to change their luck with women should go round it twice clock-wise; and women who wish for better luck with men go round it twice counter clock-wise. It is a 15-minute walk from Miyaji on the JR Houhi line or 5 minutes by taxi.

HP: http://asojinja.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 3083 Miyaji, Ichinomiya-machi, Aso-shi, Kumamoto (Google Map)

28. Hakuto Jinja（白兎神社）, Tottori

The shrine is dedicated to the legendary white rabbit who is said to have matched the god Okuninushi and his wife Yagamihime. As their encounter and marriage are the first love story recorded in Japan, this shrine was registered as one of the sacred places for lovers in 2010. It is 40 minutes from Tottori Station on the JR line by bus (Shikano line, Hinomaru Bus), near Hakuto Jinja Mae bus stop.

HP: www.jnto.go.jp/eng/location/spot/natuscen/hakuto-beach.html

Address: 603 Hakuto, Tottori-shi, Tottori (Google Map)

29. Yaegaki Shrine（八重垣神社）, Shimane

Enshrined here are the god Susano, his wife, and their son. This shrine is often visited by girls asking for good luck in love particularly. The symbol is a few intertwined camellia trees. It is said that two trees entwined symbolizes the union of lovers, and in due course, fertility. It is 25 minutes from JR Matsue Station by bus bound for Yaegaki-Jinja (the last stop).

HP: https://www.kankou-shimane.com/en/destinations/9281

Address: 227 Sakusa-cho, Matsue, Shimane (Google Map)

30. Izumo Oyashiro（出雲大社）, Shimane

Izumo Oyashiro or Izumo Taisha is the place all deities gather at once a year from all over Japan. Their aim is to discuss the coming year’s marriages, deaths, and births. The most popular place to pray for every kind of matchmaking. It is a 5-minute walk from Izumo Taishamae on the Ichibata Railway, and approximately 20-minutes ride from Izumo-shi (connected to JR).

HP: www.izumooyashiro.or.jp/ (Japanese Only)

Address: 195 Kizukihigashi, Taisha-cho, Izumo-shi, Shimane (Google Map)

Top image: PIXTA