When you're fretting over a failed relationship, it can make it hard to concentrate and even harder to focus on work. Will continuing your relationship with your current partner bring happiness to both of you? Will you be able to meet your ideal partner with your current lifestyle? While it's sometimes necessary to continue worrying about things without finding an answer, it's also a good idea to use your summer vacation, a time to slowly reflect on yourself, to make up your mind! As a first step, why not ask a god for your thoughts? So, today, we'll introduce you to shrines in Tokyo where gods specialize in helping you find love. ■Tokyo Daijingu First up is Tokyo Daijingu, known as Tokyo's Ise Shrine. Founded in 1880 at the behest of Emperor Meiji as Tokyo's remote worship hall for Ise Jingu, this shrine is said to be highly beneficial in finding love, as it enshrines the "Three Gods of Creation," who are responsible for the "binding" of all things. We have a wide variety of charms, so you're sure to find one that matches your aspirations and your favorite color.
From cute designs like the "Lily of the Valley Charm for Marriage," featuring lilies of the valley, whose flower language is "bringing good fortune," to the "Love Success Charm" featuring the Tokyo Daijingu Shrine crest, to the "Happiness Binding Sacred Arrow," perfect for those hoping to find a special someone and secure their beloved's heart, you'll be sure to find plenty of souvenirs to choose from.
Address: 2-4-1 Fujimi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
3-minute walk from Iidabashi Station
■Izumo Taisha Branch Shrine
After Ise, the next stop is Izumo. In Roppongi, Tokyo, there is a branch shrine of Izumo Taisha Shrine dedicated to Okuninushi-no-Okami, the renowned "god of matchmaking." Okuninushi-no-Mikoto, affectionately known as "Daikoku-sama," is a deity who is said to not only strengthen relationships between men and women, but also between friends and spouses.
If you visit this shrine, be sure to get your hands on the "Enmusubi no Ito" (thread of ties made with the deity's blessings) (initial offering: 1,000 yen). Use it on your favorite clothes, or share it with close friends to forge strong bonds.
Address: 7-18-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
1-minute walk from Roppongi Station
■Youn-ji Temple
If you have a bad relationship you want to break, pray to the gods at Youn-ji Temple in Yotsuya. Also known as "Oiwa Shrine" because it enshrines Oiwa, a deity famous in the Tokaido Yotsuya Kaidan story, this shrine is full of attractions, including a well associated with Oiwa and the "Wish-Fulfilling Stone," where you can throw a ball of silver into the well with your wishes.
Address: 18 Samoncho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
8-minute walk from Yotsuya-Sanchome Station
■Imado Shrine
If you're looking for a cute charm that you'll want to wear every day, how about Imado Shrine in Taito Ward? Known as the birthplace of the beckoning cat, the shrine grounds are home to many pairs of cats that are said to bring good fortune, and the votive plaques and charms are also filled with cats. The key point is that all the illustrations depict pairs of cats.
The shrine also holds a "matchmaking event" once every few months, so if you're lamenting your lack of good encounters, you might want to consider attending. The date of the next event is regularly announced on the official website, so don't miss it!
Address: 1-5-22 Imado, Taito-ku, Tokyo
13-minute walk from Asakusa Station
