This odd little shrine on the edge of Gion contains one of the most peculiar objects we’ve encountered anywhere in Japan.

If you blundered into this shrine after a few too many drinks in nearby Gion, you might wonder if you were seeing things: at its heart stands something that looks like some kind of Rastafarian igloo or an albino Snuffaluffagus.
This bizarre object is known in Japanese as the “enkiri/enmusubi stone.” This roughly translates as a stone that will bind good relationships tighter and sever bad relationships.
You buy a special piece of paper and write you name and wish on it. If you want to bind a good relationship tighter, you clutch the paper and crawl through the tunnel in the stone from front to back. If you want to end a relationship, you crawl through from back to front. Then, you grab the handy container of glue and affix your wish to the ever growing mountain of wishes festooning the stone.
English address:
70 Shimobenten-cho, Higashiyama-ku
Japanese address::
東山区下弁天町70
Opening hours:
Open 24 hours
Admission:
Free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
In front of Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop, Kyoto City Bus 206 from Kyoto Station
Telephone: 561-5127
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)

Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Near To Here:
Yasui-kompira-gu Shrine is located in Kyoto’s Southern Higashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Southern Higashiyama, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help