If you’re looking to pray for matchmaking in the Tohoku region, Yamagata’s “Kumano Taisha” is the place to go! Here are three recommended points for achieving success in love.

Are you familiar with Kumano Taisha, located in Yamagata Prefecture, for those of you who have a crush? Known as the Ise of Tohoku, it is one of Yamagata’s most famous power spots for matchmaking. (As of the survey information on July 15, 2023)

What kind of shrine is Kumano Taisha?

Kumano Taisha is one of the three major Kumano shrines in Japan, alongside the Kumano Sanzan in Wakayama Prefecture and the Kumano Hongu Taisha in Nagano Prefecture.

It is said that Kumano Taisha was rebuilt in the first year of Daido (806) by the imperial command of Emperor Heijo. Over the years, it received the favor of various emperors and retired emperors. Additionally, four religious sects—Tendai, Shingon, Haguro Shugendo, and Shinto—joined, helping it flourish as a sacred site for Kumano Shugendo.

The enshrined deity, Kumano Okami, is also known by the names Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto. The common element “Izana” in both names originates from the word “izanau,” meaning “to invite,” and is said to express words of love between men and women.

The official website of Kumano Taisha: https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/

Kumano Taisha Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kumanotaisha.official/
Kumano Taisha Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kumanotaisha/?fref=ts

Is there a deity at Kumano Taisha who was the first in Japan to propose and get married？

The deity at Kumano Taisha is known as the god who made the first marriage proposal in Japan, a god of matchmaking.

Izanagi-no-Mikoto and Izanami-no-Mikoto are the first male and female deities to be united in mythology. According to the myths, they were involved in what is considered the first marriage proposal in Japan.

Here is what is described on the Kumano Taisha website.

First, the male deity Izanagi-no-Mikoto says, “Anani yashi, e otome o,” which means, “Ah, what a wonderful woman.” In response, the female deity Izanami-no-Mikoto replies, “Anani yashi, e otoko o,” which translates to, “Ah, what a wonderful man.”

For more details, refer to the original Japanese source: [https://kumano-taisha.or.jp/].

The grounds of Kumano Taisha

Unfortunately, there is no guide to the grounds of Kumano Taisha on the official website.

However, there is information on how to tour Kumano Taisha, which allows you to get a glimpse of the grounds.

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How can I access Kumano Taisha? Is there parking available, and is there a free bus service?

Kumano Taisha is located in Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture.

The exact address is 3707-1 Miyauchi, Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture. The nearest stations are Miyauchi Station on the Yamagata Railway Flower Nagai Line or Akayu Station on the Yamagata Shinkansen and JR Ou Main Line. It is a 10-minute walk from Miyauchi Station to Kumano Taisha, and a 5-minute drive from Akayu Station.

There doesn’t appear to be a free bus service from the stations. If you are driving, there is a parking lot available with space for 200 standard vehicles.