Kyoto has countless Shinto shrines located throughout the city. So, where shall we go? If you’re planning a girls’ trip, “Matchmaking shrine” will be the best experience.
By the way, what is a shrine? What is matchmaking? Don’t worry, I’m here to help.
This is the Guide of
10 shrines for Love to visit in Kyoto!
What’s Shinto shrine?
◆ About Shinto shrines
Shinto is Japan’s native animistic religion. We’ve been worshiping nature deities, such as mountains, waterfalls, or rocks.
There’re no statues or scriptures. We’ll just visit there as if we were going to say hello to my neighbors at some milestones.
◆ The difference between “Shrines and Temples”
“Shrines and Temples”, this is the one word. The reason is, they have been mixed for a long time in history. But to be precise, they are different things.
- Shrines:
the dwelling of the Shinto gods - Temples:
the dwelling of the Buddhist monks
Simply, if you wish for something, you visit a shrine. if you learn Buddhist teachings, you visit a temple.
◆ About Matchmaking blessings
Shrines bring us various blessings.
- good harvest 五穀豊穣
- good fortune 開運招福
- academic achievement 学業成就
- economic fortune 金運招来
- health and longevity 健康長寿 etc…
And, Matchmaking = En-musubi 縁結び. It’ll break off a bad relationship, bring you a wonderful match, and deepen the bonds that you have now. It means,
It is for All of Love.
Your family, friends, and partner.
The first thing I did when I moved to Kyoto, was to worship the matchmaking shrine. Look! I’m living happily.
7 Shrines for LOVE to worship in Kyoto
01: Yasaka Shrine｜ Gion
It is a symbolic shrine in the Gion district. Maiko and Geiko usually worship here. Please visit “Daikokusha 大黒主社” for a good marriage, “Utsukushigozensha 美御前社” for beauty.
Blessings: Good fortune/Matchmaking/Beauty
Access: Gion-Shijo sta. 40min from Kyoto sta.
Official Web
02: Yasui-Konpiragu Shrine｜Gion
This is the most powerful shrine in Kyoto for breaking bad relationships. There is a mysterious rock, and passing through the hole in the rock. Good to wear comfortable clothes.
Blessings:
Good fortune/Matchmaking/ Break a bad luck
Access:
Gion-Shijo sta. 30min from Kyoto sta.
Official Web
03: Shimogamo Shrine｜Demachiyanagi
This beautiful shrine is renowned as a World Heritage Site. Its efficacy is remarkable that is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of Kyoto. Please visit “Aioisha 相生社” for matchmaking, “Kawai-jinja 河合神社” for beauty.
Blessings:
Good fortune/Matchmaking/family happiness
Access:
Demachiyanagi sta. 40min from Kyoto sta.
Official Web
04: Nonomiya Shrine｜Arashiyama
It is said to fulfill the love within a year. Located in the scenic bamboo forest at Arashiyama. It also appears in the “Tale of Genji” of the Heian period (794-1185), which we Japanese study in school. Stroking gently the turtle stone.
Blessings:
Good fortune/ Matchmaking / Pregnancy
Access:
Arashiyama (Arashiyama Line) 40min from Kyoto sta.
Official Web
05: Ichihime Shrine ｜Kyoto
Unusual shrine where only goddesses are enshrined. It is said to grant all women’s wishes, and successive Japan’s empresses have worshiped at this shrine. Drink the sacred water.
Blessings:
Good fortune/ Matchmaking / Protection of females
Access:
Gojo sta. 20min from Kyoto sta.
Official Web
06: Kifune Shrine｜Kibune
The head shrine of 2,000 water god shrines across Japan. It was founded about 1,300 years ago. Located in a summer resort area of Kyoto, it is enveloped in the mystical atmosphere of the mountains. Worship to “Yuinoyashiro 結社” for Love.
Blessings:
Good fortune/ Matchmaking / Beauty
Access:
Kibuneguchi sta. 60min from Kyoto sta.
Official Web
07: Jishu Shrine｜Higashiyama ※
※Please note. Currently under construction (2022/08-2025/08).
This shrine is located in Kiyomizu-dera Temple, which has an impressive elevated platform. The Well-known shrine walking through the fortune-telling stones.
Blessings:
Good fortune/ Matchmaking / Love fortune
Access:
Kiyomizu-Gojo sta. 30min from Kyoto sta.
Official Web
Have you been there? Please comment