Yaegaki Shrine

Yaegaki Shrine is an ancient shrine located in Sakusa-cho, Matsue, Shimane Prefecture. It is widely known as one of the foremost shrines in the Izumo region for matchmaking and the fulfillment of romantic relationships. The principal deities enshrined here are Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inata-hime-no-Mikoto, who are famous for the Izumo myth of Susanoo’s defeat of the Yamata-no-Orochi, the eight-headed serpent. Other deities, including Onamuchi-no-Mikoto, are also enshrined here.

According to legend, after Susanoo-no-Mikoto defeated the Yamata-no-Orochi, he married Inata-hime-no-Mikoto and established a marital residence with her in this area. For this reason, Yaegaki Shrine attracts many worshippers seeking blessings for matchmaking, marital harmony, a favorable marriage, conception, and safe childbirth.

## The History and Origins of Yaegaki Shrine

The history of Yaegaki Shrine is deeply connected to one of the best-known stories in Izumo mythology: the defeat of the Yamata-no-Orochi.

After descending from Takamagahara to the upper reaches of the Hii River in the land of Izumo, Susanoo-no-Mikoto saw an elderly couple, Ashinazuchi and Tenazuchi, weeping together with their daughter, Inata-hime-no-Mikoto. When he asked what had happened, they explained that a giant serpent with eight heads and eight tails, known as the Yamata-no-Orochi, had devoured one of their daughters every year. It was now the turn of their youngest daughter, Inata-hime-no-Mikoto.

To save her, Susanoo-no-Mikoto built eight layers of fences in Sakusame-no-Mori, a forest in the Sakusa area, and hid Inata-hime-no-Mikoto there. He then made the Yamata-no-Orochi drunk by offering it strong sake. Once the serpent had fallen asleep, he defeated it. After receiving the permission of Inata-hime-no-Mikoto’s parents, the two became husband and wife.

Because of this myth, Yaegaki Shrine has long been deeply revered as the “Great Deity of Matchmaking.”

## The Origin of the Shrine’s Name

The name Yaegaki Shrine is said to derive from the “eight-layered fence” that Susanoo-no-Mikoto built to protect Inata-hime-no-Mikoto.

A well-known waka poem is also traditionally attributed to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who composed it to express his joy at marrying Inata-hime-no-Mikoto:

*Clouds rise in layers,*
*In Izumo, I build*
*Eight layers of fences*
*To enclose my wife—*
*Those eight layered fences.*

This poem is considered one of Japan’s oldest waka poems and has become a symbol of the matchmaking faith associated with Yaegaki Shrine.

## Enshrined Deities and Blessings

The principal deities of Yaegaki Shrine, Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inata-hime-no-Mikoto, are worshipped as a divine couple who overcame hardship and were ultimately united.

The shrine’s principal blessings include:

- Matchmaking
- Fulfillment of romantic relationships
- Marital harmony
- The fulfillment of a favorable marriage
- Conception and safe childbirth
- Family harmony
- Good fortune and prosperity

People visit the shrine not only to pray for romantic relationships, but also for favorable connections in many areas of life, including family, work, and personal relationships.

## Sakusame-no-Mori Forest

At the back of the shrine grounds lies Sakusame-no-Mori, a forest said to be the setting of the myth. It is believed to be the sacred forest where Susanoo-no-Mikoto hid Inata-hime-no-Mikoto to protect her from the Yamata-no-Orochi.

Towering trees stand throughout the forest, creating a mysterious and solemn atmosphere. Many visitors come here to experience the world of Izumo mythology at close hand.

## Mirror Pond and Matchmaking Fortune-Telling

One of the most famous features of Yaegaki Shrine is Mirror Pond, located within Sakusame-no-Mori.

According to legend, Inata-hime-no-Mikoto used the pond as a source of drinking water while hiding from the Yamata-no-Orochi, and looked at her reflection in its waters.

At Mirror Pond, visitors can practice a form of matchmaking fortune-telling by placing a 10-yen or 100-yen coin on a special sheet of paper and floating it on the pond. The fortune is interpreted according to how long the paper takes to sink and where it sinks. This practice is famous throughout Japan.

It is generally said that:

- If the paper sinks within 15 minutes, a favorable relationship will arrive soon.
- If it takes 30 minutes or longer, a favorable relationship will develop slowly.
- If it sinks nearby, the connection will be with someone close to you.
- If it sinks farther away, the connection will be with someone from a distant place.

Although the pond is especially popular with people praying for success in love and with couples, many visitors also seek favorable connections in their careers, friendships, and other areas of life.

## Married Camellia Trees

Yaegaki Shrine is home to the “Married Camellia Trees,” which symbolize matchmaking.

These unusual trees consist of two camellias joined together at their roots or partway up their trunks. They are cherished as symbols of marital unity and favorable relationships.

There is also a legend that two camellia branches planted by Inata-hime-no-Mikoto sprouted and grew into a single tree. Several Married Camellia Trees can be seen on the shrine grounds, making them a popular attraction for visitors praying for a good match or marital harmony.

## Sacred-Image Murals in the Treasure Repository

Yaegaki Shrine preserves sacred-image murals designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. Originally painted inside the main sanctuary, they are now preserved and displayed in the Treasure Repository.

The murals are said to depict various deities, including Susanoo-no-Mikoto, Inata-hime-no-Mikoto, Amaterasu-Omikami, Ichikishima-hime-no-Mikoto, Ashinazuchi-no-Mikoto, and Tenazuchi-no-Mikoto.

They are among the oldest surviving shrine murals in Japan and are extremely important cultural assets for understanding the history of Japanese shrine architecture and painting.

In particular, the mural believed to depict Inata-hime-no-Mikoto remains in excellent condition, allowing visitors to appreciate its vivid colors and graceful expression even today.

## Amulets and Other Charms

Yaegaki Shrine offers a variety of popular religious articles related to matchmaking, including:

- Matchmaking amulets
- Married-couple amulets
- Childbearing amulets
- Matchmaking cords
- Votive tablets
- Fortune-telling paper for use at Mirror Pond

A customary visit to the shrine often involves receiving an amulet after worship and then trying the matchmaking fortune-telling at Mirror Pond.

## A Place Associated with Lafcadio Hearn

Yaegaki Shrine is also connected with Lafcadio Hearn, the celebrated writer who had deep ties to Matsue.

Lafcadio Hearn is said to have called Sakusame-no-Mori, the forest associated with the myth, a “mystical forest.” It is believed that he was deeply impressed by its dreamlike atmosphere.

Even today, the forest retains its mysterious air and continues to captivate many visitors.

## Conclusion

Yaegaki Shrine is one of the leading ancient shrines in the Izumo region dedicated to matchmaking, enshrining the divine married couple Susanoo-no-Mikoto and Inata-hime-no-Mikoto. Closely associated with the myth of the defeat of the Yamata-no-Orochi, the shrine takes its name from the eight-layered fence that Susanoo-no-Mikoto built to protect Inata-hime-no-Mikoto.

The shrine grounds offer many highlights, including Sakusame-no-Mori, the setting of the myth; Mirror Pond, famous for matchmaking fortune-telling; the Married Camellia Trees, symbols of marital unity; and sacred-image murals designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.

The shrine is highly recommended not only for those praying for success in love, marital harmony, or a favorable relationship, but also for anyone wishing to experience the world of Izumo mythology. It is one of Shimane Prefecture’s most popular spiritual power spots and a must-visit destination when sightseeing in Matsue or following a matchmaking pilgrimage through Izumo.