Meoto Daikokusha Kasuga Taisha Nara

Meoto Daikokusha, Kasuga Taisha, Nara 夫婦大国社

Meoto Daikokusha is a sub-shrine of Kasuga Taisha (Kasuga Grand Shrine) in Nara. Meoto (夫婦) translates as "husband and wife" or "married couple."

Ema votive plaque in pink and white

Set in a thick cedar forest to the south of the main Kasuga Taisha Shrine buildings, Meoto Daikokusha enshrines married Shinto deities and is popular with couples hoping for a happy marriage. There are many heart-shaped ema (votive plaques) on display at the shrine praying for a happy union or for success in the match-making process of finding a suitable and loving partner.

May our love last forever

Just behind Meoto Daikokusha Shrine is Akachichi Shirochichi Shrine, a shrine for prayers for curing women's diseases both above and below the waist. Supplicants can also write their wishes for finding a partner on wooden rice paddles at the shrine. This symbolizes the act of providing sustenance for a married partner.

Nara's Love Shrine

Meoto-iwa - two rocks joined by a shimenawa holy rope - as if in matrimony, are a fairly common sight in Japan.