Located within the precincts of Mizuta Tenmangu Shrine, which was built in 1226 to worship Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, this is the only rare shrine in all of Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the god of love. This shrine is popularly known as the "god of good marriage and happiness" and the "god of love.
As you proceed along the route to the shrine, you will see the "Koi Sando," a path with colorful heart-shaped ceramic plates embedded in it. As you follow the path one step at a time, hoping that your wish for love will come true, you will see a heart-shaped stone lantern with a heart-shaped hole in it, which is called "Good match achievement Koinoki Ishi Toro (Love Tree Lantern). In addition, the “Koinoki Torii” in front of the worship hall is decorated with 10 heart-shaped inome crests, which are the company crests. Of course, the amulet and goshuin also have a heart motif. The boar's eye pattern (heart-shaped) is scattered.
Don't forget to stop by the 600 year old "First Tree of Happiness". If you turn left, right, and left around the tree, it is believed that "happiness will come to you.
On July 7 every year, the "Koi Musubi Festival" is held, where people write their wishes on strips of paper and dedicate them to the shrine. Weddings for just two people are also accepted (first fee 30,000 yen, reservation required one week in advance).
Highlights
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This is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to the "God of Love.
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Heart motifs are used throughout the shrine, including the approach, stone lanterns, and torii gate.
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The 600-year-old "tree of the first place of happiness," which is said to bring happiness to those who go around it.
