Yaegaki Shrine Shimane
Ancient Japanese shrine famous for its Mirror Pond fortune-telling, believed to bring good luck in love and marriage.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Yaegaki Shrine Shimane
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ancient Japanese shrine famous for its Mirror Pond fortune-telling, believed to bring good luck in love and marriage.
"Experience the unique Mirror Pond fortune-telling and seek blessings for love and marriage."
🎯 Fortune Paper Purchase
Buy your fortune paper (100 yen) at the shrine counter. The youngest staff member is noted for being pleasant!
🪙 Coin for the Pond
Use a 10-yen coin (or similar) to place on your fortune paper in the Mirror Pond. Patience is key!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mirror Pond Fortune
Central pond area
Float your fortune paper and coin to predict your marriage fate. A truly unique and engaging shrine experience!
Sacred Atmosphere
Main shrine grounds
Experience the holy ambiance of this ancient Shinto shrine, dedicated to love and matchmaking.
Love Omamori Charms
Shrine counter
Beautiful amulets (omamori) are available, perfect for those seeking good fortune in relationships.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fortune-Telling Pond Etiquette
Best Time for a Serene Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Fortune Paper Purchase
Buy your fortune paper (100 yen) at the shrine counter. The youngest staff member is noted for being pleasant!
🪙 Coin for the Pond
Use a 10-yen coin (or similar) to place on your fortune paper in the Mirror Pond. Patience is key!
🚗 Getting to Matsue
Yaegaki Shrine is near Matsue. Consider it a great stop when exploring Shimane's hidden gems.
💖 Love & Marriage Focus
This shrine is famous for praying for good relationships and marriage. Embrace the theme!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Fortune Paper Purchase
Buy your fortune paper (100 yen) at the shrine counter. The youngest staff member is noted for being pleasant!
🪙 Coin for the Pond
Use a 10-yen coin (or similar) to place on your fortune paper in the Mirror Pond. Patience is key!
🚗 Getting to Matsue
Yaegaki Shrine is near Matsue. Consider it a great stop when exploring Shimane's hidden gems.
💖 Love & Marriage Focus
This shrine is famous for praying for good relationships and marriage. Embrace the theme!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Yaegaki Shrine for its unique Mirror Pond fortune-telling ritual, which is seen as a fun and insightful way to predict marriage fate. The shrine's sacred atmosphere and beautiful omamori charms for love are also highly appreciated. Some find the shrine small, but its distinct cultural experience makes it a memorable stop.
"fortune telling paper is sold at the shrine counter for 100yen and you have to pick the one at the most top. there were a few staff around and the youngest one is really pleasant and sweet!"
H
"A small temple, famous for praying for good relationship / marriage
There's an interesting fortune-telling activity. Purchase a white paper at the shrine (cannot choose which paper you'd like), then bring it to the Mirror Pound and put coins (ex: 10yen) on top of your paper, then put the paper on the surface of water. Then, wait until the words appear and the paper sinks. The amount of time the coin stays afloat on the paper is supposed to indicate the fate of one's marriage."
Nelly
"Great historical Shinto shrine in Japan.
This shrine has sacred atmosphere."
monk 119
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Yaegaki Shrine is located near Matsue City in Shimane Prefecture. While public transport options exist, many visitors find it convenient to visit as part of a broader exploration of the region, perhaps after visiting Matsue Castle. 
The shrine is well-known within the Shimane region, especially for its unique fortune-telling pond. It's often mentioned alongside other key attractions in Shimane, making it a popular destination for those exploring the prefecture.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the shrine grounds is generally free. However, there is a small fee (around 100 yen) to purchase the special fortune-telling paper for the Mirror Pond activity.
Shrines in Japan typically do not have strict closing hours for the grounds themselves, allowing for visits at most times. However, the fortune-telling paper and any associated services are usually available during daylight hours. It's best to visit during the day to fully experience the shrine.
The fortune-telling paper is sold at the shrine counter. While the grounds are accessible, it's advisable to visit during the shrine's operational hours to purchase the paper and participate in the fortune-telling activity.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Mirror Pond is the shrine's most famous feature. You purchase a special paper, place a coin on it, and float it on the water. The way the paper sinks and how long the coin stays afloat is said to predict the timing and success of your marriage.
The fortune-telling paper is available for purchase at the shrine counter for approximately 100 yen. You cannot choose which paper you receive.
Yaegaki Shrine is renowned as a 'power spot' for love and matchmaking. The fortunes are specifically related to romantic relationships and marriage.
Yes, the shrine itself has a sacred and holy atmosphere, and you can also purchase beautiful 'omamori' (amulets) for good luck in love and relationships.
The shrine offers a serene and picturesque setting, especially around the Mirror Pond and the traditional shrine buildings. It's a great spot for capturing the essence of a Japanese shrine.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Yaegaki Shrine itself is focused on spiritual activities, the surrounding area near Matsue City offers various dining options. You can find local restaurants serving regional specialties.
Shimane Prefecture is known for its fresh seafood, particularly from the Sea of Japan. Local specialties might include Izumo soba and various seafood dishes.
📸 📸 Photography
The Mirror Pond is a must-capture, especially with the fortune papers floating. The traditional shrine architecture and the serene natural surroundings also make for beautiful shots.
Generally, photography is allowed on the shrine grounds, but it's always respectful to be mindful of ongoing rituals or prayers. Avoid intrusive photography during ceremonies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the shrine's primary focus is on love and marriage, the serene atmosphere and the ritual itself can be a gentle introduction to Shinto culture for younger visitors. Ensure children are supervised around the pond. The shrine's location near Matsue also means you can easily combine this visit with other family-friendly attractions in the area, like Matsue Castle.
💖 Couples & Romantics
+1Purchase omamori (love charms) together as a memento of your visit and a symbol of your commitment. The shrine's reputation as a 'power spot' for love adds a special significance to your visit, making it a memorable destination for couples exploring Shimane.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
The Mirror Pond ritual can be a deeply personal experience, offering a unique form of self-discovery or guidance. Take your time to absorb the history and mythology surrounding the shrine, and consider purchasing an omamori for personal good fortune. It's a perfect stop for those seeking a meaningful and quiet experience in Shimane.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of the Mirror Pond
The unique fortune-telling ritual at the Mirror Pond is a direct manifestation of this connection. By observing how the fortune paper behaves on the water, visitors seek guidance on their romantic futures, a practice that has been passed down through generations. The shrine's dedication to love and marriage makes it a significant pilgrimage site for those seeking a partner or wishing to strengthen their existing relationships.
+1Visitors often describe the atmosphere as 'holy' and 'sacred,' contributing to the belief in the shrine's power. The combination of ancient legends, a unique ritual, and a tranquil setting makes Yaegaki Shrine a compelling destination for both spiritual seekers and curious travelers.
Navigating Yaegaki Shrine
To participate in the famous fortune-telling, head to the shrine counter to purchase your fortune paper for a small fee (around 100 yen). You'll then take this paper, along with a coin (like a 10-yen coin), to the edge of the Mirror Pond. Carefully place the paper on the water's surface, then place the coin on top of it. The anticipation builds as you watch to see how quickly the paper sinks and how long the coin remains afloat.
Beyond the pond, take time to appreciate the traditional shrine architecture and the surrounding natural beauty. You can also find beautiful omamori (amulets) for sale, often related to love and good fortune in relationships. The overall experience is designed to be peaceful and reflective, encouraging visitors to connect with the shrine's spiritual essence.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit