Fukuoka, Chikugo | Koinoki Shrine—Discovering Love in Its Purest Form Amid the Ordinary
Located in Chikugo, Fukuoka Prefecture, Koinoki Shrine is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the deity of love. It is also one of the few shrines in the country devoted specifically to prayers for good relationships and success in love. From the approach and amulets to the ema plaques and shrine crest, hearts are everywhere, making it feel like a sanctuary filled with happiness and hope.
Unexpectedly, there were no other visitors when I went. The only sounds were cicadas, the breeze, and the quiet warmth of the sunshine. There was none of the romance of Tanabata or the bustle of Valentine’s Day, which made it easier to appreciate the shrine’s true charm. From Lovers’ Bridge and the sacred Koinoki tree to the guardian statues of the 12 zodiac animals, every detail carries blessings for love, destiny, and happiness.
Perhaps I’m already past the age of butterflies, but in this peaceful setting, I was reminded that love does not have to be dramatic. It can simply mean cherishing the person beside you and continuing to walk hand in hand through ordinary days. Koinoki Shrine watches over more than romance—it celebrates the kind of bond that lasts a lifetime. Among all the heart-shaped symbols, this visit helped me rediscover the simplest joy of happiness.
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Koinoki Shrine
A cute shrine full of heart marks that will make your love wish come true.
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Located within the precincts of Mizuta Tenmangu Shrine, which was built in 1226 to worship Sugawara Michizane, the god of learning, this is the only rare shrine in all of Japan dedicated to Koinomikoto, the god of love. This shrine is popularly known as the "god of good marriage and happiness" and the "god of love.
As you proceed along the route to the shrine, you will see the "Koi Sando," a path with colorful heart-shaped ceramic plates embedded in it. As you follow the path one step at a time, hoping that your wish for love will come true, you will see a heart-shaped stone lantern with a heart-shaped hole in it, which is called "Good match achievement Koinoki Ishi Toro (Love Tree Lantern). In addition, the “Koinoki Torii” in front of the worship hall is decorated with 10 heart-shaped inome crests, which are the company crests. Of course, the amulet and goshuin also have a heart motif. The boar's eye pattern (heart-shaped) is scattered.
Don't forget to stop by the 600 year old "First Tree of Happiness". If you turn left, right, and left around the tree, it is believed that "happiness will come to you.
On July 7 every year, the "Koi Musubi Festival" is held, where people write their wishes on strips of paper and dedicate them to the shrine. Weddings for just two people are also accepted (first fee 30,000 yen, reservation required one week in advance).
Highlights
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This is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to the "God of Love.
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Heart motifs are used throughout the shrine, including the approach, stone lanterns, and torii gate.
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The 600-year-old "tree of the first place of happiness," which is said to bring happiness to those who go around it.
Photos
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The approach to the shrine that seems to increase the power of love requests
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Can you find 10 hearts on the torii gate?
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If you go around the perimeter, you will find the "tree of the first place of happiness" which is said to "bring happiness".
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You can have a simple wedding ceremony just for two people.
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It is a “love fortune” that you want to draw when you visit. You can change the color of the paper from white to pink for a limited time in February/March and October/November.
Reviews
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Some reviews are AI-translated.
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Koinoki Shrine is the only shrine in Japan dedicated to the god of love. You can pray for good luck in love here—it's actually quite famous in Japan!
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 恋木神社
- Postal Code
- 833-0027
- Address
- 62-1 Mizuta, Chikugo City, Fukuoka
- Telephone
- 0942-53-8625
- Closed
- Open every day
- Hours
- Always open
- Directions
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1) 5 min. drive or 20 min. walk from Hainuzuka Station on the JR Kagoshima Main Line
2) 8 minutes by car from JR Kagoshima Honsen Shinfunagoya Station
3) 8 minutes from JR Kyushu Chikugo Funagoya Station by car
4) Get off at Hacchomuta Station on the Tenjin-Omuta Line. Take Nishitetsu Bus bound for Hainuzuka Station, get off at Chikugo Private Hospital bus stop, and walk 13 minutes. - Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)
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