Yaegaki Shrine in Matsue is dedicated to the deities Susanoo and Inada-hime, drawn from the legend of a serpent-slaying myth, and it is best known for its fortune-telling ritual at the Mirror Pond, a small forest pool behind the main shrine buildings. Visitors float a paper fortune slip on the pond's surface with a coin placed on top; how quickly and how far the slip sinks or drifts is said to indicate how soon a marriage or good relationship will come. The shrine grounds are modest in scale, with a simple wooden main hall and a wooded approach, making it a quick but distinctive stop compared to Shimane's larger shrines. A full visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes, most of it spent walking to the Mirror Pond through the forest path behind the main hall and performing or watching the fortune ritual. Weekday mornings are the best time to visit, since the pond area is small and can form a queue on weekends and during matchmaking-focused holidays, when groups arrive specifically for the fortune-telling tradition.
Good to know
- Hours
- 8:30–17:30 (9:00–17:00 December–February)
- Best time
- Weekday mornings for the mirror-pond fortune-telling ritual without a queue
Location
Sakusa-cho 227, Matsue, Shimane 690-0035
35.4139, 133.0744 View on map
Highlights
- Mirror Pond fortune-telling ritual for love and marriage
- Shrine dedicated to the serpent-slaying deity Susanoo and Inada-hime
- Wooded forest path leading to the pond behind the main hall
- Simple traditional wooden shrine architecture
- A distinctive, less crowded alternative to Shimane's larger shrines
Tips for visiting
- Bring a 10-yen or 100-yen coin for the Mirror Pond fortune ritual
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid queues at the small pond area
- The fortune slips are sold at the shrine office near the main hall
- Wear comfortable shoes for the short forest path to the pond
- The ritual is popular with couples and those seeking relationship fortunes, so expect a livelier atmosphere on weekends
- Combine with other Matsue city sights, as the shrine visit itself is brief
When to visit
Weekday mornings are quietest for the Mirror Pond ritual, since weekends and matchmaking-related holidays can draw queues at the small pond area.
Accessibility
The main shrine grounds are level, but the forest path to the Mirror Pond includes some uneven, unpaved sections that may be difficult for wheelchair users.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Yaegaki Shrine take?
Most visitors spend 45 to 60 minutes visiting the main hall and the Mirror Pond fortune-telling area.
Is Yaegaki Shrine worth visiting with kids?
The shrine and forest path are easy for children to walk, though the fortune-telling ritual is generally aimed at adults interested in relationships.
Is photography allowed at Yaegaki Shrine?
Photography is allowed throughout the shrine grounds, including at the Mirror Pond area.
How does the Mirror Pond fortune ritual work?
Visitors float a paper fortune slip with a coin on the pond's surface, and how it sinks or drifts is said to indicate how soon good fortune in relationships will arrive.