It’s surprisingly difficult to meet someone new in Japan – especially if you’re not so outgoing like many Japanese people.

To combat this, there are many parties being hosted specifically to meeting someone new and finding your potential partner. Despite this, many participants are finding it difficult to get anything out of it.

There is one particular type of gathering that is becoming really popular...

It’s held in a temple. It might seem a bit odd at first, temple has traditionally been involved in matchmaking. Since temple has close ties with the local community, this initiative makes sense.

According to participants, these events gives you the temple experience that takes people away from ordinary life. On top of that, there’s plenty of time to relax and talk to each other at length – this way, you get to know each other more.

These events are held in temples nationwide, and they are popular.

Because these events are held in temples, they are affordable, yet the majority of participants are serious about finding their potential partner.

More conventional matchmaking events can feel a bit like being in a factory line introducing yourself to strangers in quick succession. I don’t think you can really get rid of the artificial feeling even if it is done in temples, but it might be a better option if you want to take your time a bit more.