What do People Pray for in Japan’s Love Shrines?

Have you ever wondered, “What do people pray for in love shrines?” The obvious answer is to find love, of course, but, what qualifies as love? How do people interpret “finding love” when given the opportunity to put their desires into words? Imado Shrine gives us a peek into people’s hearts.

Located in Asakusa, Imado Shrine is among Tokyo’s most popular enmusubi or matchmaking shrines. It’s usually packed with people trying to buy lucky charms and/or write earnest prayers on wooden plaques. These prayer plaques are displayed for everyone to see, and as with other Shinto shrines, it’s always amusing to pause and take a look at what people wish for. Below are some of what I found.

Prayers Plaques at Imado Shrine

Some people wish for destiny… or perhaps are trying to manifest it with strong words.

Some people are very specific about deadlines.

Some people pray for specific traits.

Some people already have a specific person in mind.

Some are couples wishing for a happy life.

Some people wish for a second chance at married life.

Some people thank the shrine for hitting the jackpot.

And still some, though fewer in number, don’t wish for love at all.

Love takes form in different shapes and sizes. At least that’s what these prayer plaques seem to suggest. One’s idea of love may be different from another, and what matters to one may be unimportant to another. Whatever it is you are looking for, a little help from the divine doesn’t hurt, and Imado Shrine is always open to your prayers of love.

How to Get to Imado Shrine

Imado Shrine (今戸神社)
Open daily, 09:00 to 15:00
Official Website
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)