For those seeking love, there may be no better place in Japan than Izumo, a city where romance, spirituality, and tradition intertwine. Every year, this picturesque city along the Sea of Japan becomes the meeting ground for Japan’s eight million gods, who are believed to gather and determine the fate of human relationships. With its deep-rooted cultural significance, stunning natural beauty, and unique customs, Izumo is an ideal destination for those longing for love or looking to strengthen existing bonds.
Upon arrival at Izumo Enmusubi Airport, visitors immediately sense the city’s romantic aura. The airport’s name translates to “the tying of bonds,” referencing enmusubi—the sacred connection between people, particularly in matters of love. A statue of Okuninushi, the Shinto god of matchmaking, greets travelers as they step off their flights. Nearby, wooden prayer plaques known as ema display heartfelt wishes from visitors seeking love and companionship.
Izumo is home to Izumo Taisha, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, dedicated to Okuninushi. As a deity governing unseen forces like fate, he is worshipped as the divine matchmaker. The shrine, believed to be Japan’s oldest, is a powerful spiritual center where singles pray to find love, and couples seek blessings for their relationships.
Izumo Taisha has long been regarded as a “power spot,” a term used in Japan to describe places believed to generate positive energy and good fortune. The concept of power spots has grown in popularity since the 1990s, drawing millions of visitors to sacred sites like Izumo Taisha. In 2023 alone, the shrine attracted over seven million visitors, including hundreds of couples who chose to marry there.
The customs at Izumo Taisha differ slightly from those at other Shinto shrines. Worshippers offer a five-yen coin (symbolizing good fortune) before clapping four times—twice for themselves and twice for their loved ones. This unique ritual reinforces the shrine’s reputation as a matchmaking haven. Many visitors also purchase red-and-white amulets believed to attract love and strengthen relationships.
One of Izumo’s most fascinating traditions occurs in the 10th month of Japan’s old lunar calendar, typically in November. While the rest of Japan refers to this time as Kan-na-dzuki, or “the month without gods,” Izumo calls it Kami-ari-dzuki, meaning “the month with gods.”
During this period, the country’s deities convene in Izumo to deliberate on human relationships for the coming year. The event begins with a grand ceremony at Inasa-no-Hama beach, where priests welcome the gods. Bonfires illuminate the shore, and the deities are then escorted to Izumo Taisha in a solemn procession. Throughout their stay, the gods partake in feasts and enjoy local sake, embodying the city’s lively spiritual culture.
While many visitors come to Izumo seeking love, the concept of enmusubi extends beyond romance. It also encompasses relationships with family, friends, and even career opportunities. For those wishing to sever unhealthy ties, Izumo’s Umi Shrine provides a space to pray for enriki, the dissolution of unwanted connections.
Modern Japan faces declining marriage rates, prompting initiatives such as government-sponsored matchmaking apps. However, some individuals prefer a more traditional approach, looking to the heavens for guidance rather than digital algorithms. Izumo Taisha offers a sanctuary for those who believe in destiny, where spiritual traditions merge seamlessly with contemporary life.
Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or simply curious about Japan’s spiritual heritage, Izumo provides a deeply enriching experience. The city’s breathtaking landscapes, sacred shrines, and enchanting legends make it a must-visit destination for anyone drawn to the mysteries of love and fate. As you stand beneath Izumo Taisha’s grand shimenawa rope, whispering a wish into the wind, you may just find that love is closer than you ever imagined.
