In Japan, even couples who are already in a relationship may visit shrines known for matchmaking. At first, this may seem a little strange. If they have already found each other, why would they still need a matchmaking shrine? In Japan, however, this is not usually seen as a contradiction.
One reason is that famous matchmaking shrines are not only places for making wishes. They are also popular sightseeing spots and date destinations. A couple may go there to enjoy the scenery, look around the grounds, walk along the approach to the shrine, and then pray while they are there. Not every visit begins with a serious determination to ask the gods for help with love. Sometimes the reason is simply, “It’s famous, so let’s go.”
Buying a matchmaking charm or drawing an omikuji fortune also feels natural in that setting. Even if someone already has a partner, they may see a charm and think, “We’re here anyway, so why not?” If the fortune says daikichi, or great luck, the couple can enjoy the result together. If it is bad, not everyone takes it seriously. When visiting a shrine, checking your luck while you are there is simply part of the fun for many people.
The Japanese word en, often translated as “connection” or “bond,” also means more than finding a new romantic partner. It can refer to an existing relationship becoming deeper, leading to marriage, or simply continuing for a long time. Because of this, wishing for good en does not stop making sense once a couple has started dating.
Of course, how seriously people take these wishes varies. Some enjoy romantic fortunes and charms, while others barely think about them at all. But shrine visits in Japan do not always require a clear line between belief and entertainment. A person can make a wish, enjoy the atmosphere, draw a fortune, and move on with the day without deciding exactly how much they believe in any of it.
So when a couple visits a matchmaking shrine, it does not necessarily mean they are asking the gods to somehow fix their relationship. Sightseeing, dating, wishing, and a little bit of fun can all exist in the same visit. And a bond that already exists can still be something people hope will continue and grow.