Shimogamo Shrine's Ring Charm "Ai no Wa Mamori": Where to Get It, Price and Matchmaking Visit Guide

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At Shimogamo Shrine in Kyoto, a ring-shaped charm called "Ai no Wa Mamori" has become a social media favorite, and it sometimes sells out. This guide covers where to get it, the price and how to choose, plus the matchmaking shrine Aioi-sha that many visitors pair it with.

What is "Ai no Wa Mamori"?

It is a ring-shaped charm modeled on futaba-aoi (double hollyhock), the shrine's crest. Some describe the two leaves nestled together as heart-shaped.

• Colors: gold, pink gold and silver
• Offering: 3,000 yen (this can change)
• Size: basically size 9 (Japanese sizing). It is an open-ring type, so it is said to be adjustable to a degree
• Material: described as brass with a coating
• Design: two double-hollyhock leaves and a small stone set inside a circle (the photo shows pink gold)

An omamori is something you keep on you. Even in ring form, treat it with care as a charm offered by the shrine rather than as simple jewelry.

Where can you get it?

It is said to be offered only at the shrine office next to Aioi-sha. It reportedly is not sold at other offices, such as the one near the Mitarashi pond, so head for Aioi-sha.

• The office is described as open about 9:00-16:30 (this may change by season or event).
• Mail-order, postal delivery and reserving are said not to be available.
• Because it is popular, it can sell out or be paused temporarily. Restocks are often announced on the shrine's official social media.
• Please check official posts first rather than phoning the shrine office about stock.

We do not recommend buying resale items.

Aioi-sha and the matchmaking visit

Aioi-sha is a matchmaking sub-shrine on the grounds. The deity is said to be Kamumusubi no Kami, and beside it stands the sacred tree Renri no Sakaki, two trunks joined into one.

The routine is introduced roughly as follows. The office staff can explain the details, so please confirm on site.

1. Visit the main hall first.
2. Receive a "Renri Enmusubi ema" at the office and write your wish.
3. Tie the red and white cord and walk around Renri no Sakaki three times (the direction is said to differ for men and women).
4. On the third round, hang the ema on the rack.
5. Bow twice, clap twice and bow once in front of Aioi-sha.

"En" (connection) is said to cover not only romance but also ties with people, work and places.

About Shimogamo Shrine

Its formal name is Kamomioya Shrine. Together with Kamigamo Shrine it is the ichinomiya of Yamashiro Province, and it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1994).

• Tadasu no Mori: an ancient forest lining the approach
• Kawai Shrine: dedicated to Tamayori-hime and revered as a protector of women
• Address: 59 Shimogamo Senkawa-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto
• Hours: about 6:30-17:00 (free entry to the grounds)

The name is similar to Kamigamo Shrine, but Ai no Wa Mamori is offered at Shimogamo Shrine.

Before you visit

• Check the official site or social media for availability, price and hours before you go.
• If the size does not fit, a sample is said to be available at the office.
• Taking it off for bathing, water chores and hard exercise is recommended.
• Old charms are returned to the shrine with thanks.
• For general omamori tips, see our omamori guide; for etiquette, shrine visit basics.
• Another shrine known for protective charm rings is Samuhara Shrine.

- For other shrines with wearable charms, see [shrines with jewelry-style charms](/en/blog/amulet-accessories-shrines/).

Access

• Train: about 15 minutes on foot from Demachiyanagi Station (Keihan Main Line / Eizan Railway)
• Bus: Kyoto City Bus to "Shimogamo-jinja-mae" or "Tadasu-no-mori-mae", then about 3 minutes on foot
• Car: paid parking is available; public transport is best in busy seasons

Summary

• Ai no Wa Mamori is a ring-shaped charm modeled on the shrine's double-hollyhock crest.
• It is said to be offered only at the office next to Aioi-sha, for 3,000 yen.
• It can sell out, so check official social media first.
• Visiting the matchmaking shrine Aioi-sha as well is recommended.

This guide is based on the sources below. Please check the official Shimogamo Shrine site for the latest details.

Sources: BAILA, Jinja DEGO, tabi-mag, GLTJP

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