Located in the heart of Sendai, Ai Date Shrine is a revered Shinto site dedicated to the kami, Love. Founded during the Nara period (710-794 CE), it has been an important center of worship and cultural heritage for over 1,200 years. The shrine's stunning architecture, featuring a majestic torii gate and beautiful gardens, reflects its rich history as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Love (Ai)
- Kami enshrined
- Love
- Coordinates
- 38.5503124, 140.3465801
Visitor tip
To fully appreciate the shrine's serene atmosphere, visit during sunset or twilight when the setting sun illuminates the torii gate.
Cultural notes
Ai Date Shrine is closely associated with the mythology of Love and Fertility, as its name suggests. According to local legend, a young woman was turned into a tree by the kami, only to be transformed back into human form after her love was reunited with her.
Historical note
The shrine was rebuilt in the Kamakura period (1185-1333 CE) after being destroyed by an earthquake.