Yaotomi Shrine
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Yaotomi Shrine

4.4
·2k reviews·Gamagori, Japan

A sacred island shrine connected by a lucky bridge, dedicated to love and good fortune, set against the scenic backdrop of Mikawa Bay.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdLow
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Yaotomi Shrine

Yaotomi Shrine

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour for stunning photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A sacred island shrine connected by a lucky bridge, dedicated to love and good fortune, set against the scenic backdrop of Mikawa Bay.

4.4
(2k reviews)

"Beautiful, unique local spot! Excellent and easy day trip from Nagoya."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤝 Hold Hands on Bridge

Walk the bridge hand-in-hand for good luck in love! :couplewithheart:

⏳ Allow 2 Hours

Explore the island, shrine, and enjoy the views at a relaxed pace. :stopwatch:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Takeshima Bridge

Takeshima Bridge

Connecting mainland to Takeshima Island

A picturesque bridge leading to the shrine, rumored to bless couples with good luck.

Instagram+1
Yaotomi Shrine

Yaotomi Shrine

Takeshima Island

Dedicated to Benzaiten, the goddess of music, love, and matchmaking. A spiritual hub for good fortune.

Instagram+1
Island Scenery

Island Scenery

Takeshima Island

Enjoy the natural beauty, including splendid pine trees and ocean views.

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Planning Your Visit

Bridge to Good Fortune

The iconic bridge leading to Yaotomi Shrine is said to bring good luck in love and marriage. Walk hand-in-hand with your partner for an extra touch of romance! Instagram

Quiet Island Escape

Yaotomi Shrine is a peaceful, local spot away from major tourist crowds, making it perfect for a relaxed exploration. Allow about 2 hours to fully enjoy the island. Reddit

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for stunning photos
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors, more tranquility
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Yatomi Shrine (Aichi) / 八百富神社 A rare shrine where a bridge passes through the middle of the torii gate ⛩️🤩✨ Please follow 👉@japan_walker_ Please Share 🥰🙏✨ #蒲郡 #japantravel #愛知# #八百富神社 #japan #蒲郡
japan_walker_
8.7K likes • 176.5K views

🤝 Hold Hands on Bridge

Walk the bridge hand-in-hand for good luck in love! Instagram :couplewithheart:

⏳ Allow 2 Hours

Explore the island, shrine, and enjoy the views at a relaxed pace. Reddit :stopwatch:

Takeshima Island is the symbol of Gamagori City and is connected to shore by a 387 meter bridge. On the island is a Yaotomi Shrine, in dedication to the Buddhist goddess Benzaiten. The bridge is supposed to bring good luck to couples, so if you come with your significant other it is customary to walk the bridge together while holding hands. In winter, migratory birds from Siberia also make an appe...
aileenfae
0 likes • 759 views
Yaotomi Shrine, dedicated to the Goddess of music and of entertainers, Benten. It’s said that worshipping at the ancient shrine will provide good luck in marriage and in childbirth too.⛩️ #japanhistory #japanhistoryandculture #japan #historyinjapan #historyintakeshimaisland #takeshimaisland #mythology #gamagori
vrgecrsm_
33 likes • 699 views

🗣️ Use Translation App

English is limited; a translation app is helpful for local interactions. Reddit :iphone:

🧢 Remove Headwear

Visitors are advised to remove hats or caps before entering the sanctuary. Reddit :prayer_beads:

Yaotomi Shrine É uma pequena ilha situada na Baía de Mikawa em Gamagori (Aichi ken). ##japan ##turismo ##aichi ##gamagori
cibele_estetica
45 likes • 538 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤝 Hold Hands on Bridge

Walk the bridge hand-in-hand for good luck in love! Instagram :couplewithheart:

⏳ Allow 2 Hours

Explore the island, shrine, and enjoy the views at a relaxed pace. Reddit :stopwatch:

🗣️ Use Translation App

English is limited; a translation app is helpful for local interactions. Reddit :iphone:

🧢 Remove Headwear

Visitors are advised to remove hats or caps before entering the sanctuary. Reddit :prayer_beads:

📸 Capture the Sunset

The sunset views from the island are breathtaking. Instagram :city_sunset:

What Travellers Say

4.4
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Yaotomi Shrine for its unique beauty, peaceful atmosphere, and romantic significance. The island setting and the iconic bridge are frequently highlighted as charming features. While small, it offers a delightful and uncrowded experience, perfect for a relaxed day trip.

"八百富神社
In Yaotomi shrine, deity of good luck
and matchmaking is enshried.
Every person is adviced to take off
the cap or hat before entering
sanctuary.
Thank you for your understanding."

磯部成志

"Very beautiful island and shrine. Quite far away from the touristy areas so was very quiet and easy to explore around."

Evan Liu

"Beautiful, unique local spot! Very small island... only need about 2 hours to arrive, walk there, relax, walk up to the shrine and them around the island and back to the mainland. Excellent and easy day trip from Nagoya. And lots of little local noodle places to choose from. Take your Google translate. Very little English spoken out here."

Kashmere Fitch

What People Like

Beautiful island setting
Unique bridge access
Romantic atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited English signage

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Yaotomi Shrine is an excellent and easy day trip from Nagoya. Take a train to Gamagori Station, then it's a short walk to the bridge leading to Takeshima Island where the shrine is located. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't widely shared, the shrine is accessible via public transport from Gamagori Station, suggesting it's well-connected. Instagram

Takeshima Island is connected to the mainland by a 387-meter bridge, which is the primary way to access the shrine. Instagram

Yes, you can drive to the vicinity of Gamagori City and then access the island via the bridge. Parking availability should be checked locally. Instagram

Absolutely! It's described as a perfect and easy day trip destination, especially from nearby cities like Nagoya. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the island and the shrine itself is generally free. There might be a small fee for specific attractions on the island, like the aquarium. Reddit

Shrine hours are typically from dawn till dusk, but the island itself is accessible throughout the day. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the best experience. Instagram

No, accessing Takeshima Island and Yaotomi Shrine does not require an admission fee. Reddit

Yes, visitors can enter the sanctuary. Remember to remove your hat or cap before entering as a sign of respect. Reddit

While not explicitly detailed in social media, shrines often have seasonal events. It's worth checking local listings if you're planning a visit during festival periods. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The bridge leading to the shrine, the shrine itself with its unique architecture, and the scenic island views are prime photo opportunities. The sunset is also spectacular. Instagram+2

Yes, photography is generally allowed in and around the shrine and on Takeshima Island. Be mindful of any specific signs or areas where photography might be restricted. Instagram

Late afternoon, especially during the golden hour before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Instagram

Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone near the shrine or island. Instagram

For commercial photography or filming, it's always best to contact the shrine administration in advance to inquire about permits and regulations. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

While the island is small, there are local noodle places and eateries on the mainland near the bridge, offering a taste of local cuisine. Reddit

You can find local noodle dishes and other Japanese fare in the small eateries on the mainland. Reddit

Picnicking is generally allowed in public areas, but it's always good practice to clean up after yourself and respect the sacred nature of the shrine. Instagram

The island is primarily a shrine and natural space. Dining options are more likely to be found on the mainland side. Reddit

Gamagori is known for its seafood, and you might find local specialties like fresh fish dishes or seafood noodles in the area. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Yaotomi Shrine and Takeshima Island offer a gentle and engaging experience for families. The short, scenic bridge walk is fun for kids, and the island provides space to explore without being overwhelming. Instagram Consider visiting the nearby Gamagori City Takeshima Aquarium for an added attraction that children will love. Instagram Pack some snacks and enjoy the seaside atmosphere, but be sure to keep the area clean. Reddit

💖 Couples and Romantics

This shrine is renowned as a love power spot! Instagram Walking across the Takeshima Bridge hand-in-hand is a must-do for couples seeking blessings for their relationship and good luck in marriage. Instagram The serene island setting and the dedication to Benzaiten, the goddess of love, create a truly romantic ambiance. Instagram Enjoy a peaceful stroll and soak in the spiritual atmosphere together.

🚶 Solo Travelers & Peace Seekers

Yaotomi Shrine offers a tranquil escape from the usual tourist hustle. Reddit Its location away from major tourist hubs means you can enjoy a quiet and contemplative visit. Reddit Take your time exploring the island, meditating at the shrine, and enjoying the natural beauty of Mikawa Bay. Instagram It's a perfect spot for introspection and enjoying a moment of peace.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legend of Yaotomi Shrine

Yaotomi Shrine, located on Takeshima Island, is dedicated to Benzaiten, the Japanese goddess of music, eloquence, wealth, and wisdom. Instagram It's particularly revered as a love power spot and a place for matchmaking and good fortune in marriage. Instagram The shrine is one of seven Saraswati shrines in Japan, highlighting its significance. Instagram

Visitors often come seeking blessings for relationships and family. The unique setting on a small island, accessible by a picturesque bridge, adds to its mystical allure. Many believe that walking across the bridge hand-in-hand with a partner can strengthen their bond and bring good luck. Instagram

Beyond its romantic associations, the shrine is also linked to prosperity and success in various endeavors, making it a multifaceted spiritual destination. Instagram

Exploring Takeshima Island

Takeshima Island is a natural monument and a relatively small but beautiful island. Instagram It's connected to the mainland by the Takeshima Bridge, a 387-meter-long structure that offers lovely views of Mikawa Bay. Instagram The island itself is covered in splendid pine trees and offers a pleasant environment for a leisurely stroll. Reddit

While the shrine is the main attraction, the island provides a tranquil escape. You can enjoy the sea breeze, admire the diverse flora, and take in the panoramic views of the coastline. Instagram The entire island can be explored in about an hour, making it a perfect addition to a half-day trip. Reddit

For those interested in marine life, the Gamagori City Takeshima Aquarium is also located nearby on the mainland, offering a complementary attraction for families. Instagram

Visiting Yaotomi Shrine: Practical Tips

When visiting Yaotomi Shrine, remember to remove your hat or cap before entering the sanctuary as a sign of respect. Reddit The island is small, so you can comfortably explore it and the shrine in about two hours. Reddit This makes it an ideal day trip destination, especially from cities like Nagoya. Reddit

As English is not widely spoken in this local area, having a translation app on your phone can be very helpful for communication. Reddit The shrine is a popular spot for couples, and walking across the bridge together is a customary way to seek blessings for your relationship. Instagram

For the best photographic opportunities, consider visiting in the late afternoon to capture the beautiful sunset over the bay. Instagram The unique architecture of the shrine and the scenic island landscape provide numerous picturesque moments. Instagram+1

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