The rabbit is considered the messenger of the deity enshrined here, chosen because the god Okuninushi saved a rabbit in a traditional Japanese myth.
The shrine is officially affiliated with the grand Omiwa Shrine in Nara Prefecture, one of the oldest in Japan.
It is a popular site for 'engimono' shopping, specifically for charms that focus on marital harmony and romantic connection.
The shrine incorporates contemporary artistic elements alongside traditional Shinto architecture, such as modern rabbit-themed signs and decorations.
Despite its limited footprint, the shrine regularly attracts large crowds during New Year celebrations and major local festivals.
Miwa Shrine is a small Shinto sanctuary located in Nagoya's Osu district, uniquely themed around rabbits which are considered divine messengers of the deity Okuninushi-no-Okami. The shrine features numerous rabbit statues, including a prominent stone sculpture and smaller votive offerings. It is a popular destination for those seeking blessings for romantic relationships and marriage. The site serves as a compact oasis of traditional culture amidst the surrounding busy shopping streets. Visitors often purchase bunny-themed ema (wooden wishing plaques) and omamori (amulets) to secure good fortune in love. The main shrine structure is a modest, vibrant building adorned with rabbit motifs. Its central location makes it an accessible cultural stop for those exploring the wider Osu Kannon area.
The large, central stone rabbit statue, which is the site's most iconic and recognizable visual feature.
Visit during the 'Rabbit Day' or when specific seasonal festivals occur to see the shrine at its most active.
Write your wish on one of the rabbit-shaped wooden ema boards to hang among the others.
Check the official website for unique monthly seasonal stamps available for goshuin-cho collectors.
Do not take photos of private prayer rituals if it makes other worshippers uncomfortable; avoid blocking the main path.
Observe standard Shinto etiquette: perform a bow at the torii gate, purify your hands at the chōzuya, and follow the two-bow, two-clap, one-bow prayer procedure.
