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All Japan Kyoto Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine

Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine

Crawl through the hole in the middle of this stone to break off a bad relationship or initiate a good one.

Kyoto, Japan

Added By
Caitlin Frunks
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Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine.   caitlinfrunks / Atlas Obscura User
Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine.   caitlinfrunks / Atlas Obscura User
Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine.   caitlinfrunks / Atlas Obscura User
Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine.   caitlinfrunks / Atlas Obscura User
Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine.   caitlinfrunks / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
  Collector of Experiences / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Hidden among the narrow streets of Kyoto’s Gion district is a roughly five-foot-by-10-foot stone covered with slips of paper. Those slips feature the wishes of those who’ve passed through the hole that runs through the middle of the stone.

The stone is a unique shrine that dates back to the seventh century. The Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine is often referred to as the enkiri (separation) or enmusubi (marriage) stone. It’s said to have the power to break up or initiate relationships.

Supposedly it can also to ensure safety when traveling by boat or automobile and relieve people of vices like drinking, smoking, and gambling. But in order for the stone to exercise its powers, a ritual must first be performed.

After paying your respects at the main shrine, buy a paper katashiro charm and write down your wish. While holding the paper charm in your hand, crawl through the stone while reciting your wish—from front to back if you want a relationship (or to strengthen your present one), and back to front if you want out.

When you emerge on the other side, bow and then crawl back through to where you came from. Then, stick your charm to the stone with the provided glue.

Related Tags

Rites And Rituals Relationships Travel Shrines

Know Before You Go

The shrine is about a 10 to 15 minute walk from Keihan Shijo Station or Hankyu Shijo Kawaramachi Station.

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Added By

caitlinfrunks

Edited By

Collector of Experiences

  • Collector of Experiences

Published

November 16, 2017

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  • http://www.yasui-konpiragu.or.jp/en/about/
Yasui Kompira-gu Shrine
70 Shimobenten-cho
Kyoto
Japan
34.99995, 135.775833
Visit Website
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Nearby Places

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kyoto

Kyoto

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Places 46
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Nearby Places

Rokudō Chin’nōji Temple

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Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Kyoto

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Stories 5

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