Asakusa is home to many shrines and temples but among them, Imado Shrine invites curious travelers and people looking for love. After all, the shrine is known for two things: matchmaking and the beckoning cat known as the maneki neko.
Origin & History of Imado Shrine
Imado Shrine is believed to have been founded in the early 11th century. It was originally dedicated to Hachiman, the god of war, and was a popular place for praying for victory in battle. After it was combined with Hakusan Shrine in 1945, it was renamed Imado Shrine. Today it enshrines 4 deities: the deified Emperor Ojin, the first married couple in Japanese mythology Izanagi and Izanami, and Fukuroji of the Seven Lucky Gods.
Birthplace of the Maneki Neko
There are several places in Japan that claim to be the birthplace of the maneki neko, the figure known as the lucky cat. The story goes that there was once an old woman who was so poor that she had to let go of her beloved pet cat. One night, the cat appeared in her dreams telling her to make dolls in its likeness. The woman then began making cat figurines using Imado ware and sold them near Asakusa Shrine. These cat sculptures became a hit, which then allowed the old woman to earn a fortune.
From this origin story, we see the connection between lucky cats and prosperity. It is, after all, common to see a beckoning cat placed in shops, as if calling the customers in. The lucky cats in Imado Shrine, however, are depicted as a pair and are believed to attract not just prosperity, but luck in love.
Imado Shrine: A Shrine that Beckons Love
After Imado Shrine’s transformation in 1945, Izanagi and Izanami became among its enshrined guardian deities. In Japanese mythology, Izanagi and Izanami are Japan’s first couple who essentially gave birth to the nation. For this reason, Imado Shrine became known as the shrine you visit to pray for love prospects.
When you visit the shrine today, you will find a lot of votive plaques on display, most of which with ardent prayers asking the heavens for a significant other. As with other enmusubi shrines, you will also find a lot of omamori or lucky charms for love. They come with Imado Shrine’s unique lucky cat couple design. You can buy one and tie it to your bag or wallet, and who knows? You might just find love around the corner.
What do People Pray for in Japan’s Love Shrines?
Every year, Japan’s love shrines crowd with people praying to find love. But what exactly does love entail? Imado Shrine gives us an idea.
Asakusa 7 Lucky Gods Pilgrimage
Imado Shrine is one of the stops for the Asakusa 7 Lucky Gods Pilgrimage. It’s a custom to visit all seven shrines in one day, and Imado Shrine is the shrine for Fukurokuju, the god of happiness, wealth, and longevity. The other six shrines are nearby, so it’s one of the fun ways to explore more of Asakusa.
While it’s customary to do the 7 Lucky Gods Pilgrimage at the beginning of the year, the temples and shrines of Asakusa do it all year round. You can buy a designated piece of paper for the pilgrimage and have the shrine and temple seals (goshuin) pressed on it.
Okita Souji’s Final Days
If the name Okita Souji is familiar to you, you either know your Japanese history well, or you’ve watched Rurouni Kenshin (Samurai X)—perhaps both. Okita Souji was the captain of the first unit of the Shinsengumi, a special police force during the Bakumatsu period in Japan (1853-1867). He was known for his excellent swordsmanship and as such, has appeared in many fictional works.
Unfortunately, Okita Souji lived a rather short life. He was only in his 20s when he contracted tuberculosis, a disease that people rarely survived during the Edo Period. It is said that he spent his last days in the area where Imado Shrine is now today, which is why a stone monument was built to honor him.
A Place for J-Drama Fans
In recent years, Imado Shrine has gained even more popularity as one of the locations for the Japanese drama, “Koi wa Tsuzuku yo, Doko Made mo” starring Sato Takeru and Kamishiraishi Mone. A love story between a seemingly cold-hearted doctor (Sato) and a persistent nurse (Kamishiraishi), the drama plays to the image of Imado Shrine as one that grants success in love. The last time I visited the shrine, there was a poster for the drama right in the main hall, something fans of the show wouldn’t want to miss.
The Many Cat Figurines of Imado Shrine
You’ll spot a lot of cat figurines on your visit to Imado Shrine. Here are some of the ones I captured.
How to get to Imado Shrine
Imado Shrine (Imado Jinja, 今戸神社)
09:00 to 16:00
Official Website (Japanese only)
1-minute walk from Riverside Sport Center Bus Stop (Taito-ku Megurin Bus)
5-minute walk from Asakusa Nanachome Bus Stop (Toei Bus)
15-minute walk from Asakusa Station (all lines)
From Tobu Asakusa Station, ride the bus heading to Minami Senju Shako (東42-2). Get off at Askausa Nanachome.
Alternatively, you can just walk from Asakusa Station. It will take around 15 minutes on foot to get to Imado Shrine.
