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Dog Shrine and Cat Shrine – A shrine dedicated to dogs and cats, located in the birthplace of the legendary Japanese dog, the Takayasu dog [Yamagata Prefecture]
Dog Shrine and Cat Shrine – A shrine dedicated to dogs and cats, located in the birthplace of the legendary Japanese dog, the Takayasu dog [Yamagata Prefecture]
In the Takayasu district of Takahata Town in the southern part of Yamagata Prefecture, there is a shrine dedicated to dogs and cats, which is rare even nationwide
we investigated "Inu no Miya" and "Neko no Miya" in the Takayasu district of Takahata town, the birthplace of the now extinct Takayasu dog, a mythical Japanese dog
Takayasu district of Takahata town, the birthplace of the legendary Japanese dog "Takayasu dog"
The Takayasu dog is a type of Japanese dog that was once kept in the Takayasu area of Takahata Town.It was an excellent matagi dog and a hunting companion, but it is said to have become extinct in the early Showa period.
There is very little documentation about Takayasu dogs, and the characteristics that have been passed down orally are as follows:
Characteristics of Takayasu dogs
Build : Medium-sized dog with a muscular, toned body
Coat : tiger or white
Ear type : Brown, erect ears.
Tail : Curly tail.
Personality : Loyal, but only becomes attached to people it likes.
It is said that the breed originates from the Kai dog, which appears in the origin of Inunomiya, which will be discussed later, but the truth of this is unknown
Takayasu Dog Monument
It became known nationwide after appearing in the short story "The Tale of the Takayasu Dog" (Kouyasu Inu Monogatari) by Togawa Yukio, which won the 32nd Naoki Prize (second half of 1954)
"The Story of the Takayasu Dog" is a work depicting the life of "Chin," who was said to be the last Takayasu dog
Komainu of Inunomiya
The "Inunomiya Komainu" have a different atmosphere from ordinary shrines and , and are said to be modeled after Takayasu dogs.
The origin of the Dog Palace
Inunomiya Shrine is located on a small hill, right next to the parking lot of Dog and Cat Peaceful Village Park in the Takayasu district of Takahata Town
Inunomiya Shrine's Approach
The approach to the temple is not very long, and you can reach the main hall in just a minute. Although it is described as being "on top of the mountain," it is quite relaxing to visit
Inunomiya main hall
According to the history of Inunomiya, it is said to have been founded around the Wadō era (708-714), and although it is a very historic shrine, it is well maintained and looked after, and it is clear that it is loved and cherished by the locals
The origin of Inu no Miya, as stated on Takahata Town's official website, is as follows:
The origin of the Dog Palace
During the Wadō era (708-714), officials from the capital came and gathered the villagers together, telling them, "Since ancient times, this village has cultivated fields without paying taxes, but starting this year, in lieu of paying taxes, you must offer up your children every spring and autumn." This caused great sadness and distress in the village
One year, a blind man got lost on his way back from Monju-do and asked for a place to stay for the night, and the man he found turned out to be the family to whom he was to pay that year's annual tax
One night, an official appeared and, while eating a feast, repeatedly emphasized, "Do not let the calico and four-haired dogs of Kai Province know about this," before leaving. The blind man heard this and sent a messenger to Kai Province to borrow the calico and four-haired dogs, who he imparted many words of wisdom to the official before leaving the village
The villagers immediately invited the officials to a drinking party, and when they got drunk, they let loose two dogs, which led to a huge brawl
When everything had quieted down, I peeked into the living room and saw two large tanuki the size of calves and many other wild tanuki piled up dead in a pool of blood
Nearby lay a calico and a four-haired dog, gasping for breath. The villagers desperately tried to treat them, but the dogs eventually died
It is said that the dog that saved the village was enshrined at the current Inu no Miya shrine, in response to a revelation that it should be made the village's guardian deity
When I saw this origin, I suddenly remembered a legend
the "Benbeko Taro Legend," which is handed down at Myoken Shrine in Tendo City, Yamagata Prefecture . Although there are some differences in the details, the general outline of the story is the same: a dog brought from far away defeats a mischievous raccoon dog
Benbeko Taro is from Shinano Province (around present-day Nagano Prefecture), while the origin of Inu no Miya is Kai Province (around present-day Yamanashi Prefecture), so the areas from which the dogs come are very similar
It's possible that stories that were passed down in Yamagata in the past spread by word of mouth, and as they changed slightly in each region, they took root in the land. That's an interesting point
By the way, there is a theory that the legend of Benbeko Taro Yamadera/Risshakuji Temple and Kozenji Temple in Nagano Prefecture . If you are interested, please read the article below.
Nekonomiya is located very close to Inunomiya, Inuneko Yasuragi no Sato Park
Approach to Nekonomiya Shrine
In stark contrast to Inunomiya, which has a solemn atmosphere surrounded by mountains and forests, this shrine has a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by idyllic rural scenery
The main hall of Nekonomiya
According to the history of Nekonomiya, it was founded around the Enryaku era (781-805), about 70 years after Inunomiya, and just like Inunomiya, it is a historic shrine that is also well maintained and looked after
The origin of the Cat Palace is connected to the story of the Dog Palace. Why "70 years later?" becomes clear when you read the origin below.
The origin of Nekonomiya
During the Enryaku era (781-805), a devout husband and wife named Shoemon and Omine lived in Takayasu village, and had been village headmen for generations
The couple had no children and loved their cats dearly, but for some reason, they began to die one after the other from illness
One night, while they were praying that this time they would be blessed with a strong cat, Kannon Bodhisattva appeared in the same dream and told them, "We will give you a cat, so raise it with care." The next morning, a calico cat appeared in their garden, and the couple was overjoyed. They named it "Tama" and raised it with care, just like their own child
Tama became increasingly attached to the couple, and was very much loved as she caught mice all over the village
The ball mysteriously followed Omine wherever she went
Not only when she woke up, but especially when she went to the bathroom, he would stare at the ceiling and growl as if ready to pounce at any moment, ears turned to the side. Omine felt uneasy and decided to tell her husband about it
When the husband went to the toilet disguised as his wife, Tama made the same gesture, and Shoemon became increasingly suspicious. He shook off the cat's head with a hidden sword, but the head flew into the air and bit a large snake hiding in the attic
This giant snake had licked the blood of an old raccoon dog that had been killed by a calico and a four-haired dog over 70 years ago, and had been plotting to take revenge one day, but was unable to do so because the jewel was protecting it
When the couple found out about this, they were very upset and told the villagers about it. They then gave the cat, who had protected the peace of the village, a proper burial, built a shrine, and held memorial services twice a year, in the spring and autumn
...The raccoon dog's vengeance, which allowed it to remain in this world for 70 years in an attempt to avenge its grudge, is impressive, but the story of the village headman and his wife who, driven by their suspicions, killed the cat that had been protecting them is also quite heartbreaking. The cat continued to protect its master even after being betrayed by him. It's amazing
The National Pet Memorial Festival has been held every year since 1988
As this shrine is rare nationwide for enshrining both dogs and cats, many people have offered their pets' belongings to both shrines to offer memorial services. Since 1988, the National Pet Memorial Festival has been held in front of the Inu Shrine every year on the fourth Saturday of July.
Advance reservations are required to participate, but a memorial service for pets will be held with sutra chanting by the head priest of the , Rinshoin,
Takahata Town Dog and Cat Peaceful Village Park parking lot
The Dog and Cat Peaceful Village Park in September 2022 , and will include a stone ossuary (for pets) made from Takahata stone, a local specialty, a gazebo (resting facility), a memory plate display wall for attaching special plates showing pets' photos and names, and a parking lot.
Overview of the National Pet Memorial Service
Inquiries: Takahata Town Tourism Association (Telephone: 0238-57-3844)
Participation fee: 4,000 yen (price for one memorial service, including prayer fee, stupa, red rice, and souvenir)
An additional 2,000 yen will be charged for each additional memorial (no red rice or souvenirs)
Stupas and talismans are charged separately (stupas 800 yen each, talismans 500 yen each)
I learned that the "Dog Shrine" and "Cat Shrine" are rare shrines in Japan, with a long history and are loved and passed down by the locals. I also learned for the first time during this visit that there is a Japanese dog called the "Takayasu dog."
Takahata Town in Yamagata Prefecture is famous for producing Japanese wine, but I think it's also a place that pet lovers should definitely visit at least once!
Traveling around the Tohoku region, I enjoy drinking delicious sake and exploring the local history, traditions, and customs. I write articles based on my interests. I'm currently interested in folk performing arts, local toys, and folk beliefs
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