Searching for Love in Tokyo

Love shrine in Edo-times Tokyo

By Victoria Simkovic

Community writer

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Tokyo Daijingu shrine draws all the couples as well as all the singletons from all around the metropolis.

You have to make sure to give your name and address to Amaterasu-mikami and Toyouke-no-okame, who are nice enough to work at two shrines at the same time, one being the major Ise Jingu Shrine another being Tokyo Daijingu Shrine. I was told that, it makes the job easier for the deities.

After saying your prayers get yourself an omikuji- fortune telling slips.

Cannot read Japanese? Not a problem. The staff at the shrine were kind enough to produce a whole two boxes of omikuji in English. I am a bit suspicious of those, though, something just doesn't feel right about them being writen in English..

People of all ages are welcome of course. You cannot be too old for love, right?

You have to wait for your turn however.

On the weekends and holidays the lines stretch out as far as the street outside the shrine's gates. Everyone wants to be loved.

Want to boost your luck in love? Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is said to be the place for all the lonely souls and troubled lovers out there. Take a short ride to Iidabashi Station from central Tokyo and cross the river outside of the station to your left (plenty of maps are available on the spot). The shrine is not so big and that impressive; however, very neat and pretty (if I can say so). Perhaps the better idea is to visit here during the weekdays, as weekends mean lines, very long lines, this is how popular the shrine is. After you finish your prayers, buy o-mikuji (fortunes written on strips of paper) buy omamori (charms or talisman) and you are all set to go. As you leave, you feel a great boost of confidence. Might as well, the two most powerful gods of Shinto are now taking care of your love life.

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By Victoria Simkovic

Community writer

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Victoria Vlisides 9 years ago

Nice find!

Iain Stanley 11 years ago

I will definitely have to visit!!

Victoria Simkovic Photographer 11 years ago

Yes, you definitely should. Plus, it's next door to Kagurazaka, one of my favorite areas in Tokyo (lots of restaurants, shops, cafes, a few more shrines).

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