Love Shrine, dedicated to the god of love and fertility, is a Shinto shrine located in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. According to legend, the shrine's founder, Takekazu Okudera, prayed to the deity for a successful marriage and was granted a vision of his future wife. The shrine's main hall, dedicated to Hotei, the god of prosperity and good fortune, is adorned with intricate carvings and statues. Visitors can explore the shrine grounds, which include several smaller shrines and historic buildings.
- Religion
- shinto
- Enshrined kami
- Hotei
- Kami enshrined
- Ama-no-Mikoto, Inari, Tsukiyomi, Fututsu Hachiman
- Coordinates
- 36.3193628, 139.8060696
Visitor tip
To make an offering to the god of love, tie a red string with your wedding ring to the shrine's torii gate and pray for a happy marriage.
Cultural notes
As one of Japan's most famous 'Love Shrines,' Love Shrine is renowned for its association with fertility and matchmaking. According to tradition, the shrine's main hall is visited on New Year's Day by thousands of couples seeking blessings for their relationships.
Historical note
The shrine was founded in 1707 by Takekazu Okudera, a loyal servant of the Tokugawa shogunate.