“I can’t seem to meet the right person.” “I want to get closer to the one I love.”
Are you carrying these worries about your love life? While self-improvement is important for meeting your destined partner, borrowing the power of deities to boost your luck is another effective method.
In conclusion, if you are serious about finding love, visiting “famous temples” known for their powerful blessings is highly recommended. Temples that have connected people’s destinies for centuries truly possess a special power.
In this article, we have selected 5 “famous temples” from across Japan known for being particularly effective matchmaking spots. We will explain their features, benefits, and points for worship, so please visit them on your next holiday to attract good fortune.
- Reasons Why Temples Are Recommended for Matchmaking Prayers
- Must-Visit for Love Achievement! 5 Selected Famous Temples for Matchmaking
- [Kyoto] “Suzumushi-dera (Kegon-ji)” Where the Happiness Jizo Grants Wishes
- [Tokyo] “Jindai-ji” Where the Legend of the Deep Sand King Remains
- [Kamakura] “Hase-dera” Where the Ryoen Jizo is Cute
- [Osaka] “Aizendo (Shoman-in)” Loved as ‘Aizen-san’
- [Hiroshima] “Senko-ji” Popular for its Red String Legend and Amulets
- Temple Etiquette to Maximize Matchmaking Benefits
- Essential After-Care! Points to Keep Your Matchmaking Luck
- Summary
- A Message from the Guide
Reasons Why Temples Are Recommended for Matchmaking Prayers
When praying for love, many people visit shrines (Jinja) or temples (Otera). But why is praying at a temple said to be so effective? This is related to Buddhist teachings and the compassionate power of the Buddhas. Here, we dig deeper into why temple visits are suitable for matchmaking.
The Difference Between “Matchmaking” at Shrines and Temples
Generally, Shrines enshrine Shinto gods (Kami), while Temples enshrine Buddhist deities (Hotoke). Matchmaking at a shrine often carries the meaning of attracting new connections through the power of the gods or adjusting your fortune through the pure atmosphere of the location.
On the other hand, matchmaking at a temple is characterized by an approach where the Buddha, based on their vow to save all living things, stays close to individual worries and removes obstacles. Furthermore, temples are places that value connections with ancestors. It is believed that by respecting and thanking your ancestors, you receive invisible protection and are more likely to be blessed with good matches.
The Power of Buddhas to Cut Bad Ties and Bind Good Ones
In the world of Buddhism, it is taught that “binding good ties” and “cutting bad ties” are two sides of the same coin.
By severing “bad ties”—such as ill-fated connections that are not good for your current self, attachment to past relationships, or your own negative emotions—space is created for new “good ties” to enter.
Many temples enshrine powerful deities like Fudo Myoo and Aizen Myoo, who burn away worldly desires and cut through hesitation. Praying to these deities removes the factors hindering your love life, allowing you to welcome wonderful encounters with a pure heart.
Must-Visit for Love Achievement! 5 Selected Famous Temples for Matchmaking
There are many “power spots” across Japan, but we have selected famous temples with a reputation for “amazing matchmaking effects” based on reviews. Each has unique legends and charming amulets, so find the temple that suits your wishes.
[Kyoto] “Suzumushi-dera (Kegon-ji)” Where the Happiness Jizo Grants Wishes
Located near Arashiyama in Kyoto, Suzumushi-dera (Kegon-ji) is a famous temple known for the sound of bell crickets (suzumushi) ringing throughout the year.
The biggest feature here is the “Happiness Jizo Bodhisattva” standing beside the mountain gate. Unlike ordinary Jizo statues, this one wears straw sandals (waraji). It is said that he wears them to walk to the wisher’s house to grant their wish.
Hold the amulet between your hands so the character for “Happiness” (幸) is visible, and state your name, address, and one specific wish. It is crucial to recite your address accurately so the Jizo does not get lost on his way to your home.
[Tokyo] “Jindai-ji” Where the Legend of the Deep Sand King Remains
Jindai-ji, located in Chofu City, Tokyo, is an ancient temple surrounded by rich greenery and spring water.
A legend remains from the Nara period stating that Mankou Shonin and his father achieved love with the help of the water god “Jinja Daio” (Deep Sand King). Because of this, it has long been worshipped as a matchmaking temple. Even today, people constantly visit the Jinja Daio Hall to pray for love.
“Jindai-ji Soba” noodles are also famous here; eating long foods symbolizes “continuing a relationship for a long time,” so tasting them after worship can further boost your luck.
[Kamakura] “Hase-dera” Where the Ryoen Jizo is Cute
Hase-dera in Kamakura, famous for its hydrangeas, is also a scenic spot offering a panoramic view of the sea from the temple grounds.
What you should look for here are the “Ryoen Jizo” (Good Match Jizo) quietly standing in three locations within the grounds. The sight of the small Jizo statues with smiling expressions nestled together is adorable and warms the heart just by looking at them.
A rumor has spread, especially among women, that if you find all of these hidden Jizo statues, take photos, and set them as your phone wallpaper, you will be blessed with a good match. It is a wonderful temple where you can pray for love while enjoying a stroll.
[Osaka] “Aizendo (Shoman-in)” Loved as ‘Aizen-san’
Aizendo Shoman-in in Tennoji Ward, Osaka, is affectionately known as “Aizen-san” and is a historic temple established by Prince Shotoku.
The principal image, Aizen Myoo, is believed to have the power to transform the human instinct of “lust” into the energy of enlightenment, offering immense benefits for matchmaking and marital harmony.
The temple grounds feature a giant Katsura tree called “Aizen Katsura.” A romantic legend says that if you vow your love in front of this tree, you will be united no matter what happens. The “Aizen Spiritual Water,” which is said to grant love if consumed, is also popular.
[Hiroshima] “Senko-ji” Popular for its Red String Legend and Amulets
Senko-ji, a symbol of Onomichi City in Hiroshima Prefecture, is located halfway up a mountain overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. It is certified as a “Lover’s Sanctuary” and is very famous as a matchmaking spot.
The matchmaking amulets are particularly popular; it is said that if a woman holds the amulet with a red string and a man holds the one with a white string, the bond between the two will be firmly tied. For those with unrequited love or seeking an encounter, the matchmaking amulet containing the red string is recommended.
Purifying your mind while gazing at the magnificent view makes it the perfect location to wish for a good match.
Temple Etiquette to Maximize Matchmaking Benefits
If you are visiting a famous temple, you should worship with the correct manners to show respect to the deities. Observing etiquette is the first step to settling your mind and ensuring your wishes are heard.
How to Walk Correctly from the Mountain Gate to the Main Hall
The mountain gate (Sanmon), the entrance to the temple, serves as a barrier separating the secular world from the sacred area. Bow once before passing through to greet the Buddha. When crossing, do not step on the threshold (the raised wood on the floor); step over it.
Walk quietly and calmly along the approach. At shrines, it is common to avoid the center of the path, but at temples, walking in the center is generally considered acceptable. However, if there are many worshipers or to show humility, walking on the side is a good practice. If there is a purification font (Temizuya), cleanse your hands and mouth before heading to the main hall.
Unique “Gassho” (Palms Together) and Prayer Methods at Temples
When you arrive in front of the main hall, first quietly offer a coin. The offering is an offering to the Buddha and is also said to be a practice of letting go of attachment.
Next, if there is a gong (Waniguchi), ring it once, and then quietly place your hands together in front of your chest. This is the big difference from shrines: At temples, you do NOT clap.
Quietly press your palms together (Gassho), bow once, and then recite your address, name, and wish in your heart. Finally, bow once more before leaving the spot.
Should You Bring Prayer Beads (Juzu)?
For temple worship, prayer beads are an important tool for connecting with the Buddha. If you have prayer beads at home, we recommend bringing them.
Placing them on your left hand or hanging them over both hands and lightly pressing down with your thumbs during Gassho makes for a more polite worship. However, simply not having them does not mean you lose the benefits. The important thing is a respectful heart, so if you don’t have beads, praying with bare hands and a sincere heart is sufficient.
Essential After-Care! Points to Keep Your Matchmaking Luck
Just because the worship is over doesn’t mean everything is complete. Cherishing the connection and amulets you have received and nurturing your luck in daily life is the shortcut to achievement.
How to Carry the Awarded Amulet
It is best to keep the matchmaking amulet (Omamori) received at the temple close to you at all times. By attaching it to or putting it in items you carry daily—such as a bag, pouch, or wallet—you can constantly receive the Buddha’s protection.
Also, avoid treating the amulet roughly; be careful not to let it get dirty or bent. If placing it at home, it is desirable to enshrine it in a clean place higher than your eye level. It is generally said that holding amulets from multiple shrines and temples together will not cause them to “fight,” but it is best to hold only as many as you can cherish.
About “Orei-mairi” (Return Visit of Thanks) After the Wish Comes True
When your wish for matchmaking is fulfilled and you find a wonderful partner or decide to get married, be sure to go for “Orei-mairi” (a return visit to give thanks).
Instead of just asking for favors, reporting and conveying gratitude deepens the connection with the Buddha, ensuring they continue to watch over you.
The ideal timing for Orei-mairi is as soon as possible after the wish comes true, but it is fine to go once things have settled down. Visit with a heart full of gratitude, and if you have an old amulet, it is good to return it at that time.
Summary
If you are aiming for success in love, visiting a “famous matchmaking temple” with a long history and a proven track record can be a huge boost. The power of the Buddha to cut bad ties and bind good ones will gently and powerfully push you forward.
The spots introduced today, such as Suzumushi-dera and Jindai-ji, are all places with wonderful power. Please visit with proper manners, cherish the amulets you receive, and take positive action. A wonderful connection is surely waiting for you.
A Message from the Guide
The idea of cutting off bad ties before forming good ones is really interesting, isn’t it? There are matchmaking temples all over the Kansai and Kanto regions, so why don’t you try visiting one?
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