Futahashira Shrine

Tucked quietly into a residential area of Izumi Ward in Sendai, this shrine is known for matchmaking. Said to have been founded in 1026, it is a venerable shrine soon to mark a thousand years of history, yet it does not feature prominently in tourist guides, making it a hidden spot beloved by locals.

The enshrined deities are Izanagi and Izanami. As the married pair of gods who appear in Japanese mythology, they have long been revered for blessings of good relationships and success in love. Once also called Niwatari Daigongen, the shrine still carries traces of the era when Shinto and Buddhism were merged. It has also been cherished as a guardian of childrens health.

Highlights

- A corner hung with rows of votive plaques offered in hopes of a good match. The heart-shaped plaques make a charming sight, brimming with worshippers wishes. - Charms and tokens themed around matchmaking, which many pick up as a memento of their visit. - A quiet precinct that conveys nearly a thousand years of history. Surrounded by trees, it is a calming place to pray.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring the greenery in the grounds buds and you can pray in fresh, clear air. Around the new year and seasonal milestones, more worshippers come to wish for good relationships, and it is especially popular with women. If you want to press your palms together slowly in the stillness, a weekday morning is calm and recommended.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: Ichinazaka, Izumi Ward, Sendai - About an 11-minute walk from Yaotome Station on the Sendai Subway Namboku Line - By car, about 8 minutes from the Izumi Interchange on the Tohoku Expressway

A Quick Tip

Good fortune in relationships is said to extend not only to ties between people but also to encounters with work and a place to live. When you entrust a wish to a votive plaque, adding a note about how you yourself want to move forward, rather than leaving it all to others, helps set your feelings in a positive direction.