Tokyo Daijingu
A 19th-century Shinto shrine in Tokyo, famed as a 'love shrine' for those seeking blessings in romance and relationships.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Tokyo Daijingu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century Shinto shrine in Tokyo, famed as a 'love shrine' for those seeking blessings in romance and relationships.
"This is where locals come for sincere prayer and reflection, especially for love and strong relationships."
🎯 Pray for Love
This shrine is famous for matchmaking. Toss a 5-yen coin, bow twice, clap twice, wish, and bow once more.
✍️ Write Your Wish
Purchase an 'ema' (wooden plaque) to write your wishes for love and hang it up.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Hall for Love Blessings
Main Sanctuary
Pray for romantic fortune and strong relationships at this revered Shinto shrine, a popular spot for singles and couples.
Ema Wooden Prayer Plaques
Prayer Plaque Area
Write your wishes for love and good fortune on these charming wooden plaques, a beautiful tradition.
Tanabata Decorations (Seasonal)
Shrine Grounds
During early July, the shrine is adorned with colorful Tanabata decorations, creating a magical atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Love Vibe
Respectful Prayer Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Pray for Love
This shrine is famous for matchmaking. Toss a 5-yen coin, bow twice, clap twice, wish, and bow once more.
✍️ Write Your Wish
Purchase an 'ema' (wooden plaque) to write your wishes for love and hang it up.
🌸 Seasonal Tanabata
Visit in early July for beautiful Tanabata decorations and a festive atmosphere. 
🙏 Return Old Amulets
There's a designated spot to respectfully return old amulets for ritual recycling.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Pray for Love
This shrine is famous for matchmaking. Toss a 5-yen coin, bow twice, clap twice, wish, and bow once more.
✍️ Write Your Wish
Purchase an 'ema' (wooden plaque) to write your wishes for love and hang it up.
🌸 Seasonal Tanabata
Visit in early July for beautiful Tanabata decorations and a festive atmosphere.
🙏 Return Old Amulets
There's a designated spot to respectfully return old amulets for ritual recycling.
🚶♀️ Peaceful Evening Stroll
The shrine is calm and beautifully lit in the evening, offering a serene experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tokyo Daijingu is a revered Shinto shrine, celebrated for its blessings in love and relationships, drawing many visitors seeking romantic fortune. While some find the lines long and the atmosphere akin to a 'singles mixer,' others appreciate its calm, traditional ambiance and its role as a spiritual retreat for locals. It's a place of sincere prayer and cultural significance.
"Small temple, surprisingly long line. I’d probably skip this one next time unless you’re into spiritual speed dating. Apparently, people come here to pray for love—and judging by the crowd, most are very single and very hopeful. Honestly, it feels less like a sacred site and more like Tokyo’s most polite singles mixer. If you’re looking for romance or just someone who also believes in divine matchmaking, this might be your place. Otherwise, bring patience… and maybe a dating app."
Dave Huang
"東京大神宮 – An Authentic Spiritual Retreat Favored by Locals
Tokyo Daijingu is one of Tokyo’s most revered Shinto shrines, known especially for enmusubi (縁結び) – prayers for love and strong relationships. Founded in 1880 and dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it was the first shrine in Tokyo to offer traditional Shinto weddings.
Unlike some of the city’s more tourist-heavy shrines, this is where locals come for sincere prayer and reflection. Be sure to toss a coin (usually a 5-yen coin for good luck) at the main hall, bow twice, clap twice, make your wish, and bow once more respectfully.
If you have old amulets or bracelets from previous shrine visits, there’s a dedicated place here to return them respectfully for ritual recycling – a thoughtful Shinto practice.
For a deeper experience, you can write a personal wish (ema) on a wooden plaque – each for 5000 yen – which will be included in a special blessing ceremony by the priests.
A calm, deeply traditional place perfect for those seeking a more intimate spiritual moment in Tokyo."
Calvin Wong
"A shrine tucked away in a residential area, it’s said to be especially effective for prayers about love and relationships. If you’re single, you definitely shouldn’t miss giving it a try 😁😁😁"
Eric Lei
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tokyo Daijingu is easily accessible via public transport. Take the JR Chuo-Sobu Line or Toei Subway Tozai Line to Iidabashi Station. From there, it's a short walk to the shrine.
Yes, it's located near the Kagurazaka area, known for its charming streets and restaurants, making it a good addition to a day of exploration.
From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Chuo Line (Rapid) to Iidabashi Station. The journey takes about 10-15 minutes.
Taxis are available, but given Tokyo's efficient public transport, it's often more convenient and cost-effective to use the subway or train to Iidabashi Station.
While there might be limited paid parking nearby, it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to potential congestion and cost.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the grounds of Tokyo Daijingu Shrine is free. You only pay for specific services like purchasing ema plaques or omamori charms.
The shrine is generally open from early morning until late afternoon. Specific hours can vary slightly, but it's typically accessible from around 6 AM to 5 PM.
There is no admission fee to enter the shrine grounds. Donations are always welcome but not required.
While the main prayer hall may close in the evening, the grounds are often accessible for a peaceful stroll, and the atmosphere can be quite serene.
The shrine is decorated for Tanabata in early July, which is a special time to visit. It's always a good idea to check their official website for any unexpected closures or special ceremonies.
🎫 💖 Love & Relationships
Tokyo Daijingu is dedicated to Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and is particularly popular for prayers related to matchmaking, love, and strong relationships (enmusubi). +2
The traditional Shinto prayer involves tossing a 5-yen coin, bowing twice, clapping twice, making your wish, and bowing once more.
Yes, you can purchase various omamori (amulets) and good luck charms at the shrine office, many of which are related to love and relationships.
While many women visit seeking romantic blessings, the shrine is open to everyone, and couples also visit to pray for their relationship.
An 'ema' is a wooden plaque where you can write your wishes. For love wishes, you'd write your desires for a partner or a stronger relationship and hang it at the shrine.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Photography is generally allowed on the shrine grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of worshippers and avoid intrusive photos, especially during ceremonies.
Early mornings or evenings can offer softer light and fewer crowds, making for more serene and less obstructed photo opportunities. The Tanabata decorations in July are also very photogenic.
Despite its popularity for love prayers, the shrine maintains a calm and traditional atmosphere, offering a peaceful spiritual retreat in the heart of Tokyo. +1
It can get quite busy, especially on weekends and during popular times for love prayers. Weekday mornings are generally less crowded. +1
It's known as 'Tokyo's O-Ise-sama' and was the first shrine in Tokyo to hold Shinto-style weddings, emphasizing its deep connection to love and relationships.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Explain to children the concept of making wishes and the tradition of Shinto shrines. The act of tossing a coin and bowing can be a simple, respectful activity for them to participate in. It offers a glimpse into Japanese culture and spiritual practices in a gentle way.
💖 Couples Seeking Blessings
Consider visiting during the Tanabata festival in early July for a particularly romantic experience, as the shrine is beautifully decorated. Writing wishes together on an ema plaque can be a sweet and memorable activity, symbolizing your shared hopes for the future.
+1🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
Embrace the opportunity to write your wishes on an ema or purchase an omamori for personal guidance. The shrine also offers a chance to witness traditional Shinto practices, such as the respectful return of old amulets, which can be a profound cultural insight.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Significance of Tokyo Daijingu
+2The shrine's popularity for enmusubi (縁結び), the concept of connecting people and fostering strong relationships, is a defining characteristic. Visitors participate in traditional Shinto rituals, tossing coins, bowing, and making wishes for love and happiness. The atmosphere, while busy, is generally respected as a place for sincere prayer and reflection, blending ancient traditions with modern aspirations.
Beyond its primary focus on love, Tokyo Daijingu offers a serene escape from the urban bustle. The well-maintained grounds, traditional architecture, and the practice of returning old amulets for recycling contribute to a sense of spiritual continuity and respect for tradition. It's a place where locals and tourists alike can experience a moment of peace and connection.
Experiencing the 'Love Shrine' Vibe
The visual elements of the shrine enhance this experience. The ema (wooden prayer plaques) are a popular item, covered with heartfelt wishes for love, marriage, and happy relationships. Seeing these adorned plaques is a testament to the collective hopes of the visitors. During the Tanabata festival in early July, the shrine is further decorated with colorful streamers and wishes, creating a particularly magical and photogenic setting.
+2While some reviews humorously liken it to a 'spiritual speed dating' event, the underlying sentiment is one of shared hope and belief in divine matchmaking. It's a place where the pursuit of love is openly celebrated, making it a distinctive destination within Tokyo's many sacred sites.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit