Top 10 Shrines and Temples for Enmusubi (Matchmaking) Across Japan

The synonym for matchmaking shrines nationwide. Enshrining Okuninushi-no-Kami, it is famous for 'Kannazuki' (the Month of the Gods), when gods from all over Japan gather in the 10th month of the lunar calendar. It is said to govern not only romantic bonds between men and women, but all 'en' (bonds) between people and between people and things. The worship etiquette is unique: 'two bows, four claps, one bow.' You cannot talk about matchmaking pilgrimages without mentioning Izumo Taisha.

Founded in 1880 (Meiji 13) as a distant worship hall for Ise Jingu, it is affectionately known as 'Tokyo's Ise-sama.' It is also known as the shrine where the first Shinto wedding ceremony was held in Japan. Today, it is a hugely popular matchmaking spot, especially among female worshippers. It is bustling daily with visitors praying for good matches.

The chief shrine of Koedo (Little Edo) Kawagoe, visited by worshippers from all over Japan as a god of matchmaking. Unique matchmaking omamori (charms) have become a topic of conversation, including 'Taiyaki Omikuji' (fortune slips shaped like sea bream that you 'fish up'), 'Enmusubi Wind Chimes' (about 2,000 Edo-style wind chimes that color the grounds in summer), and 'Enmusubi Tama' (matchmaking balls) distributed daily to the first arrivals.

One of Izumo's representative matchmaking shrines, enshrining Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inada-hime-no-Mikoto. It is famous for 'Fortune Telling at the Mirror Pond,' where you float a piece of washi paper on the pond in the back of the grounds, place a coin on it, and predict your fortune based on the time and distance it takes to sink. It is a popular spot to visit together with Izumo Taisha.

Known as the head shrine of water gods, it has also been worshipped as a matchmaking shrine since the Heian period, based on the story that Izumi Shikibu prayed for and achieved reconciliation with her husband. It consists of three shrines: Honmiya (Main Shrine), Musubiya (Middle Shrine), and Okumiya (Inner Shrine). The Musubiya specifically enshrines the god of matchmaking. The summer Tanabata bamboo decoration light-up is also popular.

A shrine with a unique faith in cutting bad bonds and forging good ones, known nationwide for its 'En-kiri En-musubi Stone' (Bond-Cutting and Bond-Forging Stone). It is said that if you write your wish on a substitute doll (katashiro) and pass under the stone, your wish will be granted in the order of cutting bad bonds and then forging good ones. It is a place we hope people with issues in human relationships, dependencies, or things they wish to cut ties with will visit.

An ancient shrine with over a thousand years of history as the first shrine of Kazusa Province, enshrining Tamayori-hime-no-Mikoto. It is known for blessings in childbirth, safe delivery, and matchmaking. Unique omamori (charms) such as 'Hadashi-mairi' (walking the approach barefoot) and 'Tsukihi-mamori' (protection for days and months) are popular. It is also noted as the eastern end of one of the ley lines, 'The Path of the First Light.'

The chief shrine of Kobe, 'Ikuta-san,' enshrines Wakahirume-no-Mikoto. The name of the enshrined deity, 'Wakahirume,' means 'young sun goddess,' and as a deity whose livelihood was weaving, it gathers faith in matchmaking where 'thread' equals 'bond.' The 'Ikuta Forest' within the grounds and the adjacent 'Mizu-mikuji' (water fortune slips) are also iconic sights for matchmaking worship.

One of Japan's oldest shrines, with Mount Miwa itself as the sacred object. The enshrined deity, Omononushi-no-Kami, is depicted in the Kojiki as a matchmaking god who visits a princess and forms a bond. The subsidiary shrine 'Sai Shrine' and the rock altar called 'Fujiiwa-iwa' (Couple Rock) are also highlights for matchmaking worship.

The chief shrine of Takachiho, the land of the myth of the Descent of the Heavenly Grandchild. The 'Fujiiwa-sugi' (Couple Cedar) in the grounds consists of two cedar trees whose roots are connected as one. It is said that if you hold hands and circle them three times, marital harmony, romantic success, and friendship will be achieved. Along with the 'Takachiho Kagura' (sacred dance) offered every night, it is perfect for a matchmaking trip that feels the romance of myth.