Yasui Konpira-gu Shrine, Kyoto

Among the plethora of love shrines scattered across Japan, this one stands out for its unique feature—a rock to climb through. But it's not just any rock; it's a symbolic tool for both shedding old relationships and welcoming new ones, making it a hit among the young.

Here's the drill: scribble your name and heart's desire on a piece of paper, then squeeze yourself through a hole in the peculiarly shaped rock, bidding farewell to past romantic entanglements. Once on the other side, it's all about embracing a fresh start and manifesting a new love story. The paper bearing your heartfelt wishes is then affixed to the rock, joining the ranks of countless others.

Legend has it that the shrine dates back to the 7th century, initially Buddhist before embracing Shintoism in 1868 during the separation mandated by the Meiji government. Now nestled in the southeastern outskirts of Gion, it's ironically flanked by love hotels. Like other shrines, visitors jot down their desires on wooden plaques called "ema", hanging them up for the gods to peruse.

Yasui Konpira-gu is also famed for its Kushi Matsuri, a celebration honoring hair ornaments for their loyal service. Geisha grace the occasion, mindful of the saying "hair is a woman's life". The highlight? A procession showcasing the evolution of women's intricate hairstyles over a millennium—a testament to the enduring ties that bind the Japanese to their ancestral customs.