Free guides to Japan

There are many temples and shrines for marriage in Japan. Perhaps the most famous one is Izumo Shrine in Shimane, in the western part of Japan. But Wakamatsu Kannon, which is located in Tendo City of Yamagata Prefecture, is also famous for matchmaking.

It is said that the temple was founded during the Nara period, about 1300 years ago by the high priest Gyoki. According to legend, while Gyoki was wandering in the eastern area of Japan, he heard the sound of a bell. He followed the sound, climbed a mountain and perceived Kannon Bodhisattva. He founded a temple there; it is the origin of Wakamatsu Kannon.

The temple’s official name is Reiryu-zan Jakusho-ji Temple but the local people call it “Wakamatsu Kannon” or “Wakamatsu-sama”. Wakamatsu Kannon is believed to have strong miracle power and is mentioned in Hanagasa Ondo, a song for the Hanagasa Matsuri or Flower Hat Festival. Wakamatsu Kannon is celebrated in the song,”Blessing is Wakamatsu-sama”. Furthermore, as Kannon Bodhisattva is the Goddess of Mercy, Wakamatsu Kannon helps not only those who want to get married but also those who crave good health, academic achievement and business prosperity, etc. Many people visit the temple, asking for good luck.

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In the Murayama area of Yamagata, located in the northern part of Japan, there is a custom which is called “mukasari ema”. Mukasari means “marriage” in local dialect. Mukasari ema are the paintings of marriage. But the bride or groom was not in this world when the painting was made. Mukasari ema are for children or young people who passed away before marriage.

Parents who lost their children make mukasari ema. They count the age of their deceased children, and imagine “My child might have got married by now.” A picture of the wedding is made and offered to a temple. Parents pray that their children would find their spouse in the after world so that they won’t feel lonely. There is a rule to make mukasari ema. The face of the imaginary spouse should not be modeled on a living person, otherwise, this person might be taken away to the next world.

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Yamadera is an old temple in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan. The temple’s official name is Risshaku-ji Temple but Yamadera is more familiar for many Japanese. Yamadera means “mountain temple”. About 40 temple facilities are scattered on the slope of Mt. Houju-san, 1015 stone steps continue from the foot to the top of the mountain and the whole mountain is the precincts of the temple. The mountain and the buildings make the scenery looks like an ink painting which is very beautiful and attracts many visitors. Yamadera exactly represents what it is.

The temple starts with Kompon Chudo, the main hall. It is said that the temple was founded in 860, during the Heian Era by a high priest Ennin Jikaku-Daishi and the original main hall was built then. Over history, the hall was destroyed and rebuilt. The current building was made in 1356, in the Muromachi Period.

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