※As a general principle, each Shinto shrine is believed to offer a wide range of blessings. The examples mentioned below represent some of the most well-known or symbolic benefits associated with each shrine. They are intended to clearly illustrate the typical purposes for visiting these sacred places.
If you're wondering what kind of wish to make at a shrine, please use the examples below as a reference.
・Victory and success in competitions or career → Hachiman Shrines
・Expressing daily gratitude to the gods → Jingu
・Academic success and achievement in studies → Tenjin Shrines
・Good harvests and prosperity in business → Inari Shrines
・Family harmony and romantic relationships → Hikawa Shrines
・Romantic luck and finding good relationships → Hakusan Shrine
・Protection of the land and wide-ranging blessings → Hiyoshi Faith
・Fire prevention and career advancement → Atago Shrines
・Safe travels and protection at sea → Kotohira-gū (Konpira Shrine)
・Safe childbirth and motherhood → Sengen Shrines
5) Hikawa Shrine
Recommended for:
Those praying for Family harmony and romantic relationships
Hikawa Shrines are ancient shrines found mainly in Saitama, Tokyo, and Kanagawa, with around 280 locations in total. The main deities enshrined are Susanoo-no-Mikoto (a brave and powerful Shinto god), his wife Kushinadahime-no-Mikoto, and their son Ōnamuchi-no-Mikoto. These deities are known for offering blessings such as protection from misfortune, good relationships, and family safety.
Despite Susanoo’s fierce character in mythology, he is also deeply worshipped as a protector of the family, which is why many people visit Hikawa Shrines to pray for strong interpersonal relationships, romantic connections, and domestic harmony. The shrine is also considered a guardian of the land, providing long-standing support for local prosperity and safety.
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine
Located in Akasaka, Minato Ward, Tokyo, Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is one of the Ten Tokyo Shrines recognized for their cultural and historical significance. It is believed to have been originally founded in the mid-10th century, and the current main hall was rebuilt in 1730 by Tokugawa Yoshimune, the 8th shogun of the Edo period. The shrine retains a strong sense of Edo-era atmosphere and dignity.
Akasaka Hikawa Shrine is especially popular as a spiritual power spot for love and marriage, attracting visitors seeking romantic success or marital harmony. Despite its location in the heart of Tokyo, the shrine offers a peaceful, serene atmosphere—a perfect place for reflection away from the city's hustle and bustle.
Main deity: Susanoo-no-Mikoto
Blessings: Protection from evil, good relationships, matchmaking
There is another shrine named Katsushika Hikawa Shrine,. Located in Katsushika City, Katsushika Hikawa Shrine has served as the local guardian shrine for over 800 years, deeply rooted in the faith and lives of the people in the area.
One of the shrine’s most treasured features is a Kurogane-mochi tree (Ilex rotunda), believed to be a sacred tree dating back to the shrine’s founding in the 1500s. Although now small and aged, this ancient tree has quietly watched over the community for centuries, standing as a powerful symbol of continuity, protection, and spiritual presence.
A visit to this shrine offers not only a glimpse into the rich history of Shinto tradition, but also a deep sense of the connection between the shrine and the people it has protected for generations.
6) Hakusan Shrine
Recommended for:
Those seeking Romantic luck and finding good relationships
Hakusan Shrine has its head shrine at Shirayamahime Shrine in what is now Ishikawa Prefecture (formerly Kaga Province), and there are around 2,000 affiliated Hakusan shrines across Japan. The main deity is Shirayamahime-no-Ōkami, also known as Kukurihime-no-Kami, a goddess revered for her role in reconciliation and matchmaking. According to legend, she mediated between the deities Izanagi and Izanami, making her a powerful figure in fostering harmonious relationships.
The roots of Hakusan Shrine lie in mountain worship—particularly the sacred Mt. Hakusan—connecting the shrine deeply with natural spiritual energy. Because of this, it is believed to offer blessings not only for love and matchmaking, but also for protection from disasters, safe childbirth, long life, and warding off misfortune.
Hakusan Shrine (Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo)
Located in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo's Hakusan Shrine is one of the most prominent Hakusan shrines in the city and is also recognized as one of the Ten Shrines of Tokyo. It is said to have been founded around the 10th century, with its current location established in 1655 under the patronage of Keishōin, mother of Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the 5th shogun of the Tokugawa dynasty.
The shrine is especially famous for the "Bunkyo Hydrangea Festival", held every June, when approximately 3,000 hydrangea plants bloom beautifully across the grounds, attracting many visitors. Though situated in a quiet residential area, Hakusan Shrine is widely known as a seasonal flower viewing spot and holds an important place in the hearts of local residents.
Main deity: Kukurihime-no-Kami (Goddess of harmony and connection)
Blessings: Matchmaking, protection from misfortune, harmonious relationships
7) Hiyoshi Shrine
Recommended for:
Those praying for Protection of the land and wide-ranging blessings
Hiyoshi Shrine , also sometimes referred to as Hie Shrine, is part of a vast network of approximately 3,800 shrines across Japan. The head shrine is Hiyoshi Taisha in Ōtsu, Shiga Prefecture, which has long been revered as a protector of mountains, land, and agriculture. The main deity enshrined is Ōyamakui-no-Kami, a guardian god of nature and regional harmony.
Ōyamakui-no-Kami symbolizes the spiritual energy of mountains and the cycles of life. He is widely worshipped as a protector of communities, with blessings that include warding off evil, directional protection (hōi-yoke), household safety, and prosperity in business and endeavors. The shrine's deep connection to nature and place makes it a spiritually powerful destination for people seeking stability and growth in their lives.
Hie Shrine (Tokyo)
Located in Nagatachō, Chiyoda Ward, Hie Shrine is one of the Ten Shrines of Tokyo and holds historical significance as the guardian shrine of Edo Castle. During the Edo period, it was highly revered by the Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, it continues to attract worshippers from the political and business sectors due to its location in Tokyo's governmental heart.
A unique feature of this shrine is the presence of monkey statues, known as Masaru (勝猿)—meaning "victory monkey"—which serve as divine messengers. These figures are especially popular among couples and expectant mothers, believed to bless them with marital harmony and safe childbirth.
Despite being nestled in the heart of the metropolis, Hie Shrine offers a peaceful, green sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with themselves and seek blessings for success, protection, and personal growth.
Main deity: Ōyamakui-no-Kami (God of mountains, land, and agriculture)
Blessings: Protection from misfortune, household prosperity, business success, safe childbirth, personal growth
8) Atago Shrine
Recommended for:
Those seeking Fire prevention and career advancement
Atago Shrine is widely known across Japan as a Fire Protection Shrine, enshrining the deity Hinokagutsuchi, the god of fire. Its head shrine is located in Kyoto, but many branches exist nationwide. In historical Japan—especially during the Edo period—when fire disasters were common, Atago shrines were considered vital for preventing fires and disasters. Over time, worship of Hinokagutsuchi also came to include blessings for career success, safety, and good fortune.
Atago Shrine (Minato City, Tokyo)
This prominent Tokyo Atago Shrine is nestled in Minato Ward and was originally founded in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu to protect Edo from fires. It sits atop Mount Atago, which at 26 meters above sea level, is the highest natural elevation within Tokyo’s 23 wards. The shrine is most famous for its "Shusse no Ishidan" (出世の石段)—the “Stairway to Success”—a steep stone staircase with 86 steps that symbolize the climb to career advancement and achievement.
Visitors often ascend these steps while praying for promotions, success in business, or overcoming personal challenges. Despite its central location, the shrine offers a peaceful, green refuge, making it a hidden gem among Tokyo’s urban jungle.
Main deity: Hinokagutsuchi – God of Fire and Disaster Protection
Blessings: Fire prevention, disaster avoidance, career success, spiritual protection
9) Kotohira Shrine (Konpira-san)
Recommended for:
People working at sea or in shipping industries seeking safe travels
Kotohira Shrine, commonly referred to as Konpira-san, is one of Japan’s most revered shrines, with its main shrine located in Kotohira Town, Kagawa Prefecture. The shrine enshrines Ōmononushi, a deity associated with the sea, commerce, and agriculture, along with Emperor Sutoku. Worshippers visit Konpira-san to pray for safe voyages, marine safety, business prosperity, and household well-being.
Toranomon Kotohira Shrine (Tokyo)
Located in the heart of Tokyo’s business district in Minato Ward, Toranomon Kotohira Shrine has a long and distinguished history. It was established in 1633 when a divine spirit from the main shrine in Kagawa was enshrined on the estate of a feudal lord in Edo (now Tokyo).
Despite being surrounded by modern skyscrapers, the shrine grounds maintain a tranquil and spiritual ambiance, with wooden shrine buildings and traditional stone lanterns. As a popular spot for office workers, people often stop by before work or during breaks to pray for success in business, career stability, and protection from misfortune.
Main deity: Ōmononushi (god of the sea, commerce, and agriculture)
Blessings: Maritime safety, successful voyages, business prosperity, household safety
10) Sengen Shrine (Asama Shrine)
Recommended for:
Those wishing for a Safe childbirth and motherhood
Sengen Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Mount Fuji, considered the sacred body of the deity. The main shrine is Fujisan Hongū Sengen Taisha located in Fujinomiya City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The principal deity enshrined is Konohanasakuya-hime, a goddess symbolizing the delicate yet strong life force, akin to cherry blossoms. She is widely revered as the guardian of fire prevention, safe childbirth, fertility, and women’s protection.
Historically connected with Mount Fuji worship, many Sengen Shrines are located at Fuji’s foothills or places with views of the mountain. They are also regarded as sacred spots for spiritual purification, good fortune, and fostering a deep connection with nature.
Tamagawa Sengen Shrine (Tokyo)
Located in Denenchofu, Ota Ward, Tokyo, Tamagawa Sengen Shrine is renowned for its exceptional scenic beauty. Perched on a hill overlooking the Tama River, it is considered a rare “sacred spot with a view of Mount Fuji” even within Tokyo. The shrine is also a popular power spot for matchmaking and good luck.
Visitors come to pray for safe childbirth, fertility, and romantic success, as well as to find tranquility and spiritual healing amid nature.
Main deity: Konohanasakuya-hime
Blessings: Safe childbirth, fertility, romantic success
