Jishu Jinja Shrine's Scorned Lovers

Are you travelling to Japan anytime soon?

Are you a paranormal enthusiast?

Well then, you should definitely visit the Jishu Jinjia Shrine. It is a Shinto Shrine, next to the Buddhist Kiyomizudera in Kyoto City, Kyoto.

This shrine is protected by a god who is concerned with the love affairs of women. Originally, the shrine was meant for people praying for love, but eventually it was used for devious means of cursing those who have romantically wronged others.

There is an ancient ritual that essentially requires that the scorned lover make a visit during "Ushi no toki mairi " translated as "ox-hour shrine-visit"--but commonly referred to as the "2 A.M. visit". This is the Japanese version of the "Witching Hour"--a time between 1 A.M. and 3 A.M. Once the lover arrives at the shrine during this time, they are supposed to nail an effigy of the person they intend to curse into the shrine's central tree. It is said that in order for the curse to work, then the effigy must contain the hair, fingernails, or blood of the chosen person.

What happens to the cursed person is mostly hearsay. However, some say that nailing the effigy through the head will cause the chosen person to become sick and die. It is also said that depending on where the nail is driven, the chosen person will feel pain in the corresponding body part.

The tree contains many holes from centuries of angry and heartbroken women.

Apparently, though this is considered an old ritual, there are newer holes in the tree.  This indicates that the practice has followed Japan into the modern age. Allegedly, the local priest who takes care of the temple, has had to remove nailed effigies in recent years.

If you see the tree up-close, you can see how there have been attempts to preserve its original purpose--love. However, the stripped bark, various holes, and contusions does not feel right when viewed in-person. The tree seems sick and cursed itself. However, it is no-less interesting. 

The surrounding scenery is truly beautiful. Next doors is Kiyomizudera, which not only is beautiful within itself, but sports a spectacular view of downtown Kyoto City.