Yaegaki Shrine Complete Guide | The Mirror Pond Fortune Telling, Deities, and Highlights of the Shrine Grounds at this Sacred Site for Matchmaking
Located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, Yaegaki Shrine is a shrine visited by many worshippers from all over Japan as the oldest sacred site for matchmaking in Japan. It is known as the place where Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inada-hime-no-Mikoto, who appear in the myth of the slaying of Yamata-no-Orochi, were united. The fortune telling at the “Mirror Pond” is especially popular, particularly among young women.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting Yaegaki Shrine, including its history, deities, highlights of the grounds, how to perform the fortune telling at the Mirror Pond, types of prayers and amulets, and access information.
About Yaegaki Shrine
History and Origins of Yaegaki Shrine
The history of Yaegaki Shrine dates back to the mythological age recorded in the Kojiki and Nihon Shoki. The origin of the shrine is said to be when Susanoo-no-Mikoto, after defeating Yamata-no-Orochi, married Inada-hime-no-Mikoto, whom he rescued, and established his palace in this area.
The waka poem attributed to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, “Eight clouds rise, Izumo’s eightfold fence, I build an eightfold fence to protect my wife, that eightfold fence,” is known as the oldest waka poem in Japan, and the shrine came to be called “Yaegaki-no-Miya” (Eightfold Shrine) from this poem. This waka poem expresses the joy of marrying his wife and the act of building multiple fences to protect her, and is considered a symbol of marital love.
Deities and Divine Virtues
The main deities enshrined at Yaegaki Shrine are the following two:
Susanoo-no-Mikoto
After being banished from Takamagahara, he defeated Yamata-no-Orochi in Izumo and is known as a heroic god. The story of his transformation from a rough character to a gentle husband is full of human charm.
Inadahime-no-Mikoto
She is a goddess who was rescued by Susanoo-no-Mikoto when she was about to be sacrificed to Yamata-no-Orochi, and they were united through a formal marriage ceremony. She is said to possess such beauty that she is sung about as “the flower of the nation’s maidens.”
These two deities are revered as the first married couple in Japan to perform a formal marriage ceremony, and are believed to bestow the following divine blessings:
- Matchmaking: Granting good fortune in relationships
- Marital Harmony: Deepening the bond between husband and wife
- Childbearing and Safe Childbirth: Blessing with children and protecting against safe childbirth
- Protection from Misfortune and Disaster: Protecting from all kinds of calamities
The Great Parent Deity of Matchmaking in Izumo
Yaegaki Shrine is a sacred place for matchmaking, alongside Izumo Taisha, and is known as the “Great Parent Deity of Matchmaking in Izumo.” While Izumo Taisha Shrine is known for “connecting the bonds of the gods,” Yaegaki Shrine is said to have a strong divine power to “connect the bonds between people.”
Of particular note is the fact that Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inada-hime-no-Mikoto are the divine couple who held the first formal wedding ceremony in Japan. Because of this history, prayers for matchmaking at Yaegaki Shrine are considered to have special significance, and many couples and worshippers seeking good fortune in love visit from all over Japan.
Shrine Grounds Guide
Main Hall and Worship Hall
The main hall of Yaegaki Shrine is a magnificent building in the Taisha-zukuri style. The current shrine building was constructed during the Edo period and is designated as a tangible cultural property of Shimane Prefecture. The beautiful vermilion-lacquered shrine harmonizes with the surrounding greenery, creating a sacred atmosphere.
The worship hall is a space for worshippers to offer their prayers, and many ema (votive tablets) wishing for matchmaking are dedicated there.
Painted Wooden Images of Deities (Nationally Designated Important Cultural Property)
Inside the main hall, there are painted wooden images of deities depicting Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inada-hime-no-Mikoto. These murals are believed to be from the Muromachi period and are designated as a Nationally Important Cultural Property.
They are usually not open to the public, but are sometimes displayed on special occasions. The depiction of Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inada-hime-no-Mikoto in harmony is a symbol of marital harmony and attracts many worshippers.
Married Couple Camellia (Twined Camellia)
Within the temple grounds is a “Twined Camellia,” estimated to be about 170 years old. This is a rare camellia where two camellia trees have fused together to form a single tree. The sight of the two trees joined at a height of about 2 meters above the ground truly symbolizes the bond between husband and wife.
This camellia is also called the “Married Couple Camellia” and is cherished by worshippers as a symbol of marital harmony and successful relationships. During the camellia blooming season (February to April), you can enjoy the sight of beautiful flowers in full bloom.
Married Couple Cedars
Within the shrine grounds stand two large cedar trees, the “Married Couple Cedars,” seemingly leaning against each other. The roots of these two cedars are connected, resembling a married couple holding hands.
There is a legend that couples who walk around the Married Couple Cedars hand in hand will be bound together even more strongly, and many visitors practice this custom.
Mountain God Shrine
The Mountain God Shrine is located within the grounds of Yaegaki Shrine. It enshrines Oyamatsumi-no-kami, worshipped as the guardian deity of the mountains. Ashinazuchi-no-mikoto, the father of Inadahime-no-mikoto, and Tenazuchi-no-mikoto, the mother, are also enshrined here.
About the Mirror Pond in the Inner Sanctuary
The Origin and Legend of the Mirror Pond
The greatest highlight of Yaegaki Shrine is the “Mirror Pond” located in the inner sanctuary. About a 5-minute walk from the main shrine, this mystical pond exists in a tranquil forest surrounded by trees.
According to legend, when Princess Inada sought refuge here to hide from Yamata no Orochi, she used the surface of this pond as a mirror, and thus it came to be called the “Mirror Pond.”
The area around the pond is enveloped in a sacred atmosphere and has long been revered as a place of great spiritual power. The pond’s water remains crystal clear throughout the year, maintaining a beauty befitting its name, “Mirror.”
How to Perform a Relationship Fortune Telling
Performing a relationship fortune telling at the Mirror Pond is the greatest attraction of visiting Yaegaki Shrine. Below, we will introduce the correct method of relationship fortune telling.
1. Obtaining the Fortune-Telling Paper
At the shrine office in the inner sanctuary, you will receive a fortune-telling paper (offering fee: 100 yen). The paper has characters indicating the fortune-telling result, but these are initially invisible.
2. Prepare a Coin
Prepare a 10-yen or 100-yen coin. The weight of the coin will affect the fortune-telling result.
3. Float the Paper on the Pond
Gently float the fortune-telling paper on the surface of the pond and place the coin in the center.
4. Reading the Result
When the paper gets wet, the characters written on it will become visible. These characters are your message.
5. Divination Based on Time and Distance of Sinking
- Sinks within 15 minutes: A good match will come soon.
- Takes 30 minutes or more: The match is distant, but it will be a good match to nurture carefully.
- Sinks nearby: A match with someone close to you.
- Drifts far away and sinks: A match with someone far away.
Precautions and Manners for Relationship Divination
When performing relationship divination at the Mirror Pond, please observe the following manners:
- Perform the divination quietly and with sincerity.
- Be considerate of other worshippers.
- Do not enter the pond or pollute the water.
- Watch until the divination paper is submerged in the pond (do not leave midway).
- Be considerate of other worshippers when taking photographs.
Path to the Inner Sanctuary
The path leading from the main shrine to the inner sanctuary is a quiet forest path covered with trees. Walking this path itself is a time of purification that cleanses the mind. The forest bathing effect allows you to forget the hustle and bustle of the city and calm your mind.
Along the pilgrimage route, you’ll find places where Princess Inada is said to have hidden and locations related to the legend of Susanoo’s battle with Yamata no Orochi, allowing you to experience the world of mythology.
Prayers and Amulets
Types of Prayers and How to Apply
Yaegaki Shrine offers various types of prayers.
Main Types of Prayers
- Prayer for a Good Relationship
- Prayer for Finding a Partner
- Prayer for Marriage Harmony
- Prayer for Safe Childbirth
- Prayer for Conception
- Prayer for Protection from Evil
- Family Safety
- Business Prosperity
Prayer Reception
- Reception Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Reception Location: Shrine Office
- Reservations: Generally not required (advance contact recommended for groups)
- Offering Fee: From 5,000 yen (varies depending on the prayer)
During the prayer, the Shinto priest recites a prayer and conveys the worshipper’s wishes to the gods. After the prayer, amulets and talismans are given.
Popular Amulets and Items
Yaegaki Shrine offers various amulets related to finding a partner and marital harmony.
Matchmaking Amulet
This is the most popular amulet, for receiving a good relationship. Featuring cute designs in colors like pink and red.
Couple’s Amulet
A pair of amulets, believed to deepen the bond between spouses or couples.
Childbearing Amulet
An amulet for those wishing to conceive. It embodies the divine blessings of Inadahime-no-Mikoto.
Safe Childbirth Amulet
An amulet for pregnant women praying for a safe delivery.
Goshuin (Shrine Seal)
Yaegaki Shrine’s goshuin features a simple yet powerful calligraphy style. Many people receive it as a memento of their visit.
Matchmaking Ema (Votive Tablet)
You can write your wish on a cute ema (votive tablet) shaped like a heart or depicting a couple and offer it at the shrine.
Festivals
Major Annual Festivals
Yaegaki Shrine holds various festivals throughout the year.
New Year’s Festival (January 1st)
A festival celebrating the New Year. It is bustling with many first-time visitors.
Setsubun Festival (February 3rd)
Beans are scattered, and prayers are offered for protection against evil.
Annual Grand Festival (October)
The most important festival at Yaegaki Shrine. A portable shrine procession and Kagura (sacred dance) performances are held.
Summer Purification Ceremony (June 30th)
A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of the impurities accumulated over the past six months. A ritual of passing through a ring of reeds is performed.
Year-End Purification Ceremony (December 31st)
A Shinto ritual to purify oneself of the impurities accumulated over the past year and to welcome the new year with a pure heart.
Monthly Festivals
Monthly festivals are held on the 1st and 15th of each month, where prayers are offered for national peace and the well-being of parishioners and worshippers.
Access
How to get to Yaegaki Shrine
Location
227 Sakusa-cho, Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture 690-0035
Access by Train and Bus
- From JR Matsue Station
- Take the Matsue City Bus bound for “Yaegaki Shrine” (approx. 20 minutes)
- Get off at the “Yaegaki Shrine” bus stop and walk for 1 minute
- Bus fare: Approximately 280 yen one way
- Frequency: Approximately 1-2 buses per hour
- Using Ichibata Electric Railway
- Take the Ichibata Electric Railway from Matsue Shinjiko Onsen Station
- Get off at “Matsue English Garden-mae Station” (approx. 15 minutes)
- Approximately 25 minutes on foot from the station, or approximately 5 minutes by taxi
Access by Car
- From the San’in Expressway
- Approximately 6 minutes (approx. 3 km) from Matsue Chuo IC
- Approximately 15 minutes (approx. 8km) from Matsue Tamatsukuri Interchange
- From Matsue City Center
- Approximately 15 minutes (approx. 6km) from Matsue Station
- Approximately 20 minutes (approx. 7km) from Matsue Castle
Parking Information
- Free parking available (approx. 100 cars)
- Large buses can be parked
- May be full during peak seasons (New Year’s, Golden Week, weekends)
Estimated Time Required for Visiting
- Main Hall Visit Only: Approx. 20 minutes
- Including Mirror Pond Fortune Telling: Approx. 60-90 minutes
- Thorough Stroll Through the Grounds: Approx. 90-120 minutes
The time it takes for the fortune-telling paper to sink varies from person to person, so it is recommended to visit with ample time.
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Matsue Castle (approx. 20 minutes by car)
A national treasure with an existing castle tower. The center of Matsue tourism.
Tamatsukuri Onsen (approx. 15 minutes by car)
A hot spring resort known for its skin-beautifying properties. A popular spot, often visited in conjunction with a visit to Yaegaki Shrine.
Izumo Taisha Shrine (approx. 50 minutes by car)
The head shrine for matchmaking. A popular “matchmaking pilgrimage” involves visiting both Izumo Taisha and Yaegaki Shrine.
Lake Shinji (approx. 15 minutes by car)
A lake known for its beautiful sunsets. Clams are a local specialty.
Best Season and Recommended Time for Visiting
Seasonal Highlights
Spring (March-May)
The season when the intertwined camellias bloom. The fresh greenery in the shrine grounds is also beautiful, making for a refreshing visit.
Summer (June-August)
The shrine grounds, enveloped in deep green, are cool, allowing for enjoyable forest bathing. The area around Kagami-no-ike Pond is especially cool and comfortable.
Autumn (September-November)
The season of autumn leaves. The path to the inner sanctuary is beautifully colored with autumn leaves. The annual festival is also held in the fall.
Winter (December-February)
The snow-covered grounds are magical. The temple is bustling with many visitors during the New Year’s pilgrimage season.
Recommended Visiting Times
Weekday Mornings (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM)
It’s relatively uncrowded, allowing for a peaceful visit. The Mirror Pond is quiet and peaceful, perfect for fortune-telling.
Evening (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM)
The temple grounds, bathed in the setting sun, have a mystical atmosphere. However, be aware that it gets dark earlier in winter.
Times to Avoid
- Weekends and public holidays during the daytime (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): The busiest time.
- The first three days of the New Year: Extremely crowded, and the parking lot will be full.
- Golden Week and Obon: Crowded due to tourist season.
Guidelines for Visiting Yaegaki Shrine
Etiquette for Worship
- Bow before passing through the torii gate
This shows respect for entering the sacred area.
- Purify yourself at the water basin
Purify your left hand, right hand, and mouth in that order.
- Two bows, two claps, and one bow when praying
Follow the general etiquette for visiting a shrine.
- Make your wishes specific
In addition to “May I be blessed with a good relationship,” silently recite a specific wish, such as “May I meet someone like XX.”
Tips for Fulfilling Your Matchmaking Prayers
Have a feeling of gratitude
It’s important to be grateful for the relationships you have now, not just to make wishes.
Regular Visits
Visiting regularly, not just once, deepens your connection with the gods.
Combining with Other Matchmaking Spots
Visiting other matchmaking spots, such as Izumo Taisha Shrine and Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine, in conjunction with this shrine is believed to bring even stronger blessings.
Don’t Forget Self-Improvement
It’s important not only to pray to the gods, but also to make an effort to improve yourself. Good fortune in love comes to those who make the effort.
Summary
Yaegaki Shrine is a historic shrine with over 1000 years of history, considered a sacred place where Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inada-hime-no-Mikoto, characters in Japanese mythology, were united. The fortune-telling at the Mirror Pond is a unique experience found nowhere else in Japan, and many visitors have received blessings for successful relationships.
Within the shrine grounds, there are many points of interest symbolizing marital harmony, such as the Married Couple Camellia and Married Couple Cedar, and walking along the path to the inner sanctuary allows you to experience the world of mythology. This shrine is worth visiting not only for matchmaking, but also for prayers related to marital harmony, fertility, safe childbirth, and various other milestones in life.
Easily accessible from the center of Matsue City, it can be combined with nearby tourist attractions such as Tamatsukuri Onsen and Izumo Taisha Shrine for a more fulfilling trip. Be sure to visit Yaegaki Shrine and experience the divine blessings of Japan’s oldest married couple deity.
