[Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture] A shrine dedicated to dogs and cats? Detailed introduction to the history of Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya

It is said that there are more than 150,000 shrines and temples across the country, as the phrase ``eight million gods'' suggests.

There are many gods enshrined here, but the one that is most enshrined in Japan is Hachimanshin. Is there a Hachiman Shrine near where you live?

There are many shrines and temples all over the country, and there are also shrines that are a bit unique and are dedicated to gods.

Is it that eccentric? In Takahata Town, Higashiokitama District, Yamagata Prefecture, there is a shrine dedicated to dogs and cats called ``Inu no Miya'' and ``Neko no Miya.''

There is a shrine in Yamagata Prefecture that enshrines dogs and cats, which are rare in Japan.

There are many shrines and temples in Yamagata Prefecture. Famous places include ``Mt. Hoju and Risshakuji Temple'' which is famous for its mountain temples, ``Dewa Sanzan Shrine'' where you can practice asceticism at Dewa Sanzan, which is known as a sacred site in Tohoku, and ``Uesugi Shrine'' which enshrines the famous warlord Uesugi Kenshin of the Sengoku period. etc. are famous.

Source: Yamagata Prefecture official tourism website “Travel to Yamagata”

Among the many famous shrines in Takahata Town, did you know that there is one dedicated to dogs and cats?

The ``Inu no Miya'' and ``Neko no Miya'' shrines are dedicated to dogs and cats, respectively, and are visited not only by local residents but also by people who wish to express their gratitude to dogs and cats.

``Inu no Miya'' is a shrine nestled quietly in the mountains near the center of Takahata Town.As you approach it, the atmosphere becomes refreshing, and after visiting, you can't help but feel a renewed sense of gratitude for your beloved dog.

"Neko no Miya" is located next to Inu no Miya, and like Inu no Miya, there are always people who come to pray for the cat's health and to pray for its health. Nearby is Rinshoin, which manages Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya, so it's easy to find if you use Rinshoin as your landmark.

Relationship between Inu no Miya/Neko no Miya and local residents

Aren't shrines dedicated to dogs and cats built due to the recent pet boom? Many people may think so, but Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya are said to have been enshrined during the Wado era (708-715) and Enrei era (782-806).

keep old legends alive

It enshrines a dog and a cat that are said to have saved the villagers from disaster, and it is said that the two dogs that killed the old raccoon dog who was pretending to be a city official and collecting annual tax from the villagers were enshrined there.

In the cat palace, the grudge of an old raccoon dog that was supposed to have been slain by a dog appeared in the form of a large snake, and a pet cat defeated the snake. The cat itself had died, so the owner buried it in a nest and built a Kannon-do hall to hold a memorial service.

Both Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya are built to express gratitude to the dogs and cats who sacrificed their lives for the villagers.

Source: Takahata Town (Inu no Miya/Neko no Miya)

Even now, there is no shortage of visitors to Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya.

This is because we still have a sense of gratitude for the dogs and cats that have spent time with people. Both shrines had pictures of dogs and cats posted on them. You can feel the depth of the owner's love.

(Currently, it is prohibited to paste photos in the shrine of worship, and they must be kept in a box.)

Efforts to continue protecting Inu no Miya and Cat Miya

September 2022, Inu no Miya/Cat

A town facility called "Dogneko Yasuragi no Sato" with a pet ossuary has opened near Nonomiya.

Not only is it a place where dogs and cats can be interred, but it can also be used for pet-related events.

One of the purposes is to use the proceeds to protect Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya forever, and efforts are being made in the area to continue protecting Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya.

A pet memorial festival is also held every summer.

In Takahata town, where Inu no Miya and Neko no Miya are located, a pet memorial festival is held once a year on the fourth Saturday of July.

A memorial service will be held for each pet that has lived as a member of the family by chanting sutras.

Participation requires a memorial service fee, and you must apply to participate, but if you would like to hold a memorial service, please contact us.

Contact: Takahata Portal Z

If you care about your pets, why not visit Inu-no-miya and Neko-no-miya once?

We introduced a shrine in Takahata-cho, Yamagata Prefecture that enshrines dogs and cats, which is rare in Japan.

Source: Yamagata Prefecture official tourism website “Travel to Yamagata”

Since the shrine is located deep in the mountains, it is covered with snow in the winter, but why not visit it in the warmer months while enjoying the nature of Takahata Town?

There are also famous shrines such as Akutsu Hachiman Shrine around Inu no Miya Neko no Miya, so it is recommended as one of the shrine tours.

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