Is love in the air or are you just visiting? Jishu-jinja Shrine is Kyoto’s oldest shrine dedicated to love and relationships. Its history stretches back further than Japan’s own formation. This makes it a place of deep-rooted belief.
Today people travel from all over the globe to Jishu-jinja Shrine. They seek new or renewed relationships. For centuries people have visited this shrine to find love and happiness.
The main building is dedicated to Okuninushi-no-mikoto. He is a god known for his kindness. The inner shrine has a rich color. It was built in the architectural style of the Nara period about 1300 years ago. Tokugawa lemitsu reconstructed the current buildings of the shrine in 1633.
The inner shrine, outer shrine, and main gate are Important Cultural Properties. They are also designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This highlights their importance to Japanese culture.
Have you spotted the Koiuranai-no-ishi love fortune stones? These stones are famous throughout Japan. They are about ten meters apart. Legend says if you can walk between them blindfolded your wish for love will be granted. Recent analysis dates the stones back to the prehistoric Jomon age. It is believed their original purpose was to attract gods to the shrine.
Inside Jishu-jinja Shrine, you can find smaller, secondary shrines. There is a shrine to Nadedaikoku. People believe that stroking a part of the statue will grant a specific wish. There is also a shrine to Okage Myojin. Only one wish is allowed here. Kurimitsuinarisha helps grant wishes for business and family success.
Don’t forget to purify yourself at the Temizusho hand water pool. Use the ladle. Pour water on each hand. Then rinse your mouth before visiting the shrine gods. This cleanses you. It is a sign of respect.
At the inner shrine, ring the bell using the red and white rope. Bow twice. Clap your hands together twice. Make your wish with hands still together. Finally, bow once more.
Ema are picture tablets that act as prayers. They are a form of dedication to the gods. Look for small boards with pictures of Okuninushi-no-mikoto and a rabbit. The wooden tablets convey wishes to the gods.
Legend says Okuninushi-no-mikoto assisted the wounded Hare of Inaba. This is why a rabbit god loyally stands by his statue.
Jishu-jinja Shrine offers many charms. These charms provide specific protections for relationships. You can find charms for finding love. You can also find charms to deepen relationships between friends, lovers, and spouses.
Remember Jishu-jinja Shrine embodies hope. It is hoped that good relationships will spread to all parts of the earth. May peace and happiness follow.