City of En-musubi

This region is home to many legends about deities and their love lives, and it is also home to the annual meeting of 8 million deities to discuss fate binding—especially that of matchmaking. In addition to many power spots for good luck in meeting one’s soul mate, such as Yaegaki Shrine and Tamatsukuri-yu Shrine, there are also many En-musubi spots throughout Matsue, such as the pink mailbox at Karakoro Art Studio. Other spots for En-musubi are more subtle and you’ll have to keep an eye out for them, such as the pink hearts in the pavement around the Kyomise Shopping District, and a heart in the natural grain of the wood in one of the pillars of Matsue Castle.

Local restaurants provide lucky En-musubi meals or desserts with the fortuitous red (or pink) and white colour combinations, and in the rainy season, the locals celebrate Enishizuku (drops of En, the rain that binds everyone together) with En-musubi themed cocktails at bars around town. Although many of the good luck spots and items are frequented by young singles, En can be your ties with anyone, such as children, friends, or business partners. Having good En will ensure many harmonious relationships.