What other travelers are saying about Tokyo Daijingu Shrine
**東京大神宮 – An Authentic Spiritual Retreat Favored by Locals**
Tokyo Daijingu is one of Tokyo’s most revered Shinto shrines, known especially for enmusubi (縁結び) – prayers for love and strong relationships. Founded in 1880 and dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu, it was the first shrine in Tokyo to offer traditional Shinto weddings.
Unlike some of the city’s more tourist-heavy shrines, this is where **locals come for sincere prayer and reflection**. Be sure to **toss a coin** (usually a 5-yen coin for good luck) at the main hall, bow twice, clap twice, make your wish, and bow once more respectfully.
If you have old amulets or bracelets from previous shrine visits, there’s a dedicated place here to **return them respectfully** for ritual recycling – a thoughtful Shinto practice.
For a deeper experience, you can **write a personal wish (ema) on a wooden plaque** – each for 5000 yen – which will be included in a special blessing ceremony by the priests.
A calm, deeply traditional place perfect for those seeking a more intimate spiritual moment in Tokyo.
Quite a nice shrine. Just be aware that it is mainly for singles looking for God’s help to send them love and a partner in life. If you are coming with your family might not be exactly appropriate to stand on the same queue as the singles who are walking towards the altar and making their love wishes. We stepped away from the queue and took a few pictures. Beware of mosquitoes. We have all been bitten by them in the same moment. It can get pretty crowded especially in the evening and during weekends.
Small temple, surprisingly long line. I’d probably skip this one next time unless you’re into spiritual speed dating. Apparently, people come here to pray for love—and judging by the crowd, most are very single and very hopeful. Honestly, it feels less like a sacred site and more like Tokyo’s most polite singles mixer. If you’re looking for romance or just someone who also believes in divine matchmaking, this might be your place. Otherwise, bring patience… and maybe a dating app.
A small gem near Kagurazaka, Tokyo.
The temple is calm but charming. I went there in the evening when the temple was lit up with small amount of visitors.
This traditional temple is surrounded by modern office and residential buildings which shows how well history blends in with the local community in Tokyo.
A shrine tucked away in a residential area, it’s said to be especially effective for prayers about love and relationships. If you’re single, you definitely shouldn’t miss giving it a try 😁😁😁
Tokyo Daijingu is unique as it enshrines the same deities as the Grand Shrine of Ise, earning it the nickname "Tokyo's Ise Jingu." It holds historical significance as the birthplace of the modern Shinto wedding ceremony, conducting Japan's first Shinto-style wedding in 1900. The shrine is particularly famous for matchmaking and marriage blessings, making it a popular destination for couples and those seeking romantic fortune.
Yes, Tokyo Daijingu offers an authentic Shinto shrine experience in central Tokyo without requiring travel to remote areas. Its convenient location near Iidabashi Station, free admission, and proximity to other attractions like Koishikawa Korakuen Garden and Tokyo Dome City make it ideal for visitors with limited time. The shrine provides a peaceful contrast to Tokyo's urban energy while remaining easily accessible.
While private wedding ceremonies are regularly held at Tokyo Daijingu, especially on weekends, these are closed events for invited guests only. However, visitors may observe wedding processions and ceremonies from a respectful distance in public areas of the shrine grounds. This offers a unique opportunity to witness traditional Shinto wedding customs in their authentic setting.
The shrine is renowned for its love and marriage-related charms, with the suzuran mamori (lily of the valley amulet) being the most popular choice for matchmaking. Various other amulets are available for relationship blessings, marital harmony, and general good fortune. These authentic charms make meaningful souvenirs and are only available at the shrine's charm shop.
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring the shrine grounds, which is sufficient time to worship at the main hall, visit auxiliary shrines, purchase charms, and take photographs. If you wish to participate in special prayers or observe a wedding ceremony, allow up to one hour. The compact grounds make it easy to combine with nearby attractions during a half-day itinerary in the Iidabashi area.
