Question: Seeking love or a lasting relationship? Then you’ve come to the right place: Jishu Shrine.
Jishu Shrine stands as Kyoto’s oldest shrine dedicated to the gods of love and relationships. These gods have been a focus of belief for ages. Today, Jishu Shrine attracts visitors worldwide. Many seek new or renewed relationships here.
The shrine’s history predates Japan itself. Its roots lie in an era about which little is known. The inner shrine and smaller shrines within the site are dedicated to Japan’s early Shinto gods.
The richly colored inner shrine reflects the architectural style of the Nara period. That’s around 1300 years ago. It honors Okuninushi-no-mikoto. He is a sweet-tempered god. He promotes caring love, wisdom, and happiness. The current buildings were rebuilt by Shogun Iemitsu Tokugawa in 1633. The inner and outer shrines, plus the main gate, are World Heritage Sites. They are nationally defined Important Cultural Properties.
You will find the famous Koiuranai-no-ishi or love fortune stones on the path. They sit about ten meters apart. They stand around knee height. Legend says those who navigate between them blindfolded will have their wish for love granted. These stones attract visitors from around the world. Recent analysis dates them to the prehistoric Jomon age. People think their original purpose was to attract gods to the shrine. During festivals, people hoped gods would be drawn to the stones and stay by them.
Many visitors seek good luck charms. These charms offer specific protections in relationships. Some embody wishes for finding love and a partner. Others improve relations between friends, lovers, and spouses.
While much of ancient Kyoto was covered by a lake, Jishu Shrine was an island. It was located on the holy mountain known as Horaisan. This mountain was thought to bestow eternal youth. It was an early center of belief. People have sought the gods’ help in finding fulfilling love and friendship here. Jishu Shrine embodies the hope that good relationships might spread globally. It hopes to bring peace and happiness.
Cleanse yourself at the Temizusho hand water pool before visiting the gods. Take a ladle, fill it, and pour water on each hand. Then, take water to wet your mouth. This act cleanses you. It helps you obtain the gods’ favor.
Ring the bell in front of the inner shrine using the red and white rope. Bow twice. Clap your hands together twice. Make your wish with your hands still together. Bow once more. If you can, donate to the latched box before ringing the bell.
Many smaller shrines exist within Jishu Shrine. One is Nadedaikoku. Stroke a part of the statue to get a wish granted. Okage Myojin allows only one wish. Kurimitsuinarisha grants wishes for success in business and family.
Ema are picture tablets. They contain messages to the gods. They act as prayers. Many small boards with pictures of Okuninushi-no-mikoto and a rabbit hang here. These are Ema. Visitors use these wooden tablets to send wishes to the gods.
Okuninushi-no-mikoto appears in the Kojiki. It is the oldest known collection of Japanese myths. He is known for his kindness. In one myth, he helps the wounded Hare of Inaba. That is why a rabbit god stands by his statue.
Remember the love fortune stones and the legends. May your visit to Jishu Shrine bring you closer to lasting love and happiness.