Yaegaki Shrine, Matsue

Visit the site of Japan's first wedding, Yaegaki Shrine, a Shinto shrine popular with those looking for "En-musubi," the spiritual force that brings couples together. Dedicated to the gods of marriage and matchmaking, the shrine's grounds reveal many phallic symbols and carved wooden statues, and a pond where couples place pieces of paper in the hope that it will give them a long and fruitful marriage. An artwork depicting the enshrined Princess Inata covers a wall of the attached treasure house; painted onto Japanese Cypress, the mural has been considered one of the oldest shrine wall murals in the country. Put Yaegaki Shrine and other Matsue attractions into our Matsue trip itinerary planning website, and watch your holiday take shape.