Imado Shrine in Tokyo's Asakusa district is famous as Japan's premier matchmaking shrine and the birthplace of the maneki neko (beckoning cat). Visitors come to pray for love, marriage, and romantic relationships, making it one of Tokyo's most popular power spots for finding love and enhancing relationships.
To reach Imado Shrine from Tokyo Station, take the JR Yamanote Line to Ueno Station, then transfer to the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line to Asakusa Station. From Asakusa Station, it's a 15-minute walk northeast to Imado Shrine. Alternatively, take Tobu Skytree Line to Asakusa Station or use Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Minami-Senju Station for closer access.
At Imado Shrine, pray at the main shrine dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami (Japanese creation deities), write wishes on heart-shaped ema wooden plaques, and purchase love-related omamori charms. Many visitors also touch the paired maneki neko statues and take photos with them for enhanced matchmaking luck and romantic success.What should I do at Imado Shrine for good luck in love?
At Imado Shrine, pray at the main shrine dedicated to Izanagi and Izanami (Japanese creation deities), write wishes on heart-shaped ema wooden plaques, and purchase love-related omamori charms. Many visitors also touch the paired maneki neko statues and take photos with them for enhanced matchmaking luck and romantic success.
Traveler reviews
Looking for love, visit this shrine. That's what the guide said.
My family did a rickshaw tour around Asakusa and the first stop was the Imado Shrine. The place was quite and not many tourists, we were able to pray, buy some charms, get the first goshuin of Japan, which was memorable.
The shrine is associated for bringing blessings in matchmaking, because the deities worshiped here are Izanagi -no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto, considered the first couple in Japan.
Its a simple yet beautiful shrine.
The Cat Shrine for Wishes for Good Fortune and Love is a lovely little shrine. The caretaker at the amulet sales point is very lovely. I went to exchange coins for the fortune-telling with friends. Auntie asked for our phone, and we asked for a cat pose and took a picture for us. Even though we were confused about what we were going to do at first, once we realized it was a very lovely thing.
One of my favourite places to visit in Tokyo!
Lovely shrine, lovely cats, lovely place to wish for success. I visit every time I come to Japan, and each time I leave feeling at ease and joyful. The staff running the booth are always so lovely. ☺️ Thank you for the lovely visit.
-Janna 🇨🇦 (@midori.photos)
A small and cute shrine.
Plenty of lucky cat statues and objects.
Rinsed our hands, gave an offering and did a prayer.
Lady running the shop was really kind and friendly. I picked from 2 different fortune pots.
Thank you! I took maybe too many photos haha.
2025-11-22
This shrine has an adorable maneki-neko. The large ginkgo tree by the entrance has leaves so yellow it feels surreal.
