Imado Jinja - New Year in Asasusa, Tokyo

Imado Jinja (今戸神社) is ranked number 1 for the first shrine to visit in 2017!!

It is popular for those seeking love, luck and a good partner. It is said to be the origin of maneki-neko (beckoning lucky cat) in Japan. It is also the shrine to pray for match making success and fateful encounters.


Imado Jinja is suitable for cat lovers, those seeking "power spots" and people seeking love.



The story of the beckoning lucky cat is as follows: long ago, there was a poor woman who lived in Asakusa. She had a dream of a cat telling her to make its figure in clay and sell them. The woman began making the figures and it became popular. She was able to make a fortune selling them. Thus, that was the origin of the beckoning lucky cat.

There are plenty of welcoming cats, in the shape of a watering can in the shrine. There are plenty of beckoning lucky cats - in black and in white.





After entering the shrine, there is an omikuji box. There are plenty of cats on display at the back of the room. It has a collection of beckoning lucky cats and cat related figures in the room. Very colorful and interesting indeed!




Charms and amulets are popular. These super cute charms are 200 yen each. The omamori also has a cat figure and they are in pink. So lovely!

It is widely believed that you have a 60% more chance of finding love after visiting this shrine.



I hope that your wishes for faithful encounters will be fulfilled. Have a prosperous new year.

Good luck!!


Imado Jinja  今戸神社
Address: 1-5-2 Imado, Taito, Tokyo, Japan
Hours: Daily 9:00 - 5:00 pm
Free Admission
Access: Asakusa Station, Subway Ginza Line