Town Exploration Series 3: “Yaegaki Shrine”

Hello, this is Migita Honten.

Yaegaki Shrine, known for its blessings in matchmaking, is closely tied to the Japanese myth of Susanoo’s defeat of the eight-headed serpent, Yamata-no-Orochi.

The shrine is also home to Japan’s oldest mural, which remains beautifully preserved to this day.

According to legend, after Susanoo defeated Yamata-no-Orochi, he and Princess Inatahime were united in this area, making it known as the birthplace of ancient Japanese wedding ceremonies.

Additionally, the shrine’s Kagami-no-Ike (Mirror Pond) is famous for its “enmusubi fortune-telling.” Visitors float a coin on a piece of washi paper in the pond, and the distance and time it takes to sink are believed to reveal insights into their future relationships and connections. It’s a popular tradition among visitors!