A must-see for cat lovers: Tracing the history of the region through "Shinobuyama Neko Inari" (Fukushima Prefecture)

Haruka Hashimoto
2024.09.30
Last updated: 2025.02.19

Do you like cats?

Cat-themed goods and motifs, cat cafes and other cat-themed spots... the world is overflowing with people's love for cats. No matter how tough a person normally looks, there are some people whose faces light up when they see a cat

On the other hand, in Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture, there is a shrine called "Neko Inari" (Cat Inari). You might think, "Have the people of Fukushima been cat lovers since ancient times?!" However, there was a practical reason for the establishment of Neko Inari.

This time, we will start from Neko Inari and trace the history of the industries that flourished in Fukushima Prefecture

A mecca for cat lovers? Fukushima City's Neko Inari Shrine

Cat cafes are everywhere across Japan, but Fukushima City has a shrine dedicated to the happiness of cats called " Shinobu-yama Neko Inari ." What kind of place is Shinobu-yama Neko Inari, and what kind of spot is it?

There is a "Neko Inari" shrine on Mount Shinobu in Fukushima City

Mount Shinobu is located in the central part of Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture .

It's located quite close to Fukushima Station and the Fukushima Prefectural Government Office (3km), and just over 2km from the Fukushima City Hall. Surrounded by the city, its lush, verdant appearance resembles a small island. From the park and several observation decks, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city, and in spring, it becomes a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing, attracting many visitors

It also has aspects of a power spot and has been an object of mountain worship since ancient times. There are peaks called Hagurosan, Hayama, Kumanosan, and Tateishiyama, and gods and Buddhas are enshrined at the summit of each mountain. Halfway up the old pilgrimage route to Haguro Shrine, "Goshinzaka," there is a building that stands quietly. It is the "(Old Folk House Nishisaka House).

The old Nishisaka House is said to be the house used by the retainers who accompanied a member of the imperial family when they fled after losing a power struggle. The building has now been renovated and is used as a rest area. And beyond the torii gate on the same grounds as the old Nishisaka House is the Nishisaka Inari Shrine, also known as " Shinobu-yama Neko Inari "

You can also pray for the happiness of your beloved cat at "Shinobuyama Neko Inari (Nishizaka Inari)"

If you pass through the vermilion torii gate located on the same grounds as the old Nishizaka house, you will see a small shrine and a bulletin board-like sign

When I looked at the board, I saw a row of photos of cats..

In fact, this board was set up for those who wish to pray for the health and happiness of their beloved cats. It's a very thoughtful gesture, considering that this is a power spot named after a cat. If you wish to display it, bring an L-size photo of your beloved cat and purchase a special photo case and clip at the Nishizaka Old House. Photos are generally displayed for one year, and after the display period has expired, they will be filed and stored separately. We also recommend getting a goshuin (temple seal) with a cat design as a memento of your visit

Mount Shinobu Neko Inari Shrine

Facility name: Shinobuyama Neko Inari (Nishizaka Inari Shrine)
Location: Miyama Iwasaka, Fukushima City, Fukushima Prefecture
Official URL:https://www.shinobuyama.com/

Google Map

Why is it called a "cat" even though it's an Inari shrine?

Inari shrinesfoxes. This is because Inari Okami, the god of agriculture, is said to use foxes as his messengers.

On the other hand, why does Shinobu-yama Neko Inari have "Neko" (cat) in its name? In fact, the deity enshrined at Shinobu-yama Neko Inari is a fox, and there is a legend that it is called "Gonbo Kitsune" (Gobo Fox).

The origins of "Shinobu-yama Neko Inari" and the legend of the Gobo Fox

The " Three Foxes of Mount Shinobu " —Gobo Fox of Mount Shinobu , Chojiro of Ippaimori , and Kamozaemon of Ishigamori — were mischievous foxes. Among them, Gobo Fox was particularly skilled at deceiving people and was always causing trouble.

One day, Kamozaemon lies to Gobou Kitsune, saying, "If you use your tail to catch fish, you'll catch a surprising amount."

The deceived Gobo Fox was fishing with his tail hanging in the swamp when, in the cold, cold midwinter, the swamp froze solid, and he was unable to pull his tail out. When he tried to pull it out with all his might, the tail snapped off at the base, and Gobo Fox lost his power to transform

Seeing the disappointed Gobo Fox, the monk of Mt. Shinobu offered words of comfort. The reformed Gobo Fox wanted to repay the kindness of the people, so he decided to exterminate the rats that were pests in the thriving sericulture industry in the area

The grateful people began to worship Gobo Fox as "Cat Inari" for having exterminated the rats, and over time it is said to have become a shrine where people pray for the happiness of cats

So why was rat extermination so important?

Behind this lies the long-standing sericulture culture that flourished in Fukushima Prefecture

Sericulture culture flourished in Fukushima Prefecture

Fukushima City and the surrounding Fukushima Prefecture have been areas where sericulture has flourished since the Edo period

In sericulture, mice were a major problem, as they would devour silkworms and cocoons. Therefore, cats, which could catch mice, were indispensable to sericulture farmers. The reason why the Gobo fox came to be worshipped as "Neko Inari" (Cat Inari) for its ability to exterminate mice is rooted in this history of cats being essential to sericulture farmers

Fukushima Prefecture is known not only for producing raw silk, but also for producing high-quality silkworm eggs (silkworm eggs). Through trial and error, they selected superior silkworm breeds, crossbred them, and carefully selected mulberry leaves to feed the silkworms, all in an effort to improve quality. As a result, the silkworm egg industry flourished during the Meiji era, and the prefecture developed into one of the leading sericulture regions in Japan

For Fukushima, sericulture has long been a familiar industry that supported people's lives. It was not uncommon for families to have raised silkworms, and when you talk to elderly people in the area, many will reminisce fondly, saying, "We used to have silkworms in our house..." Raising silkworms, spinning the thread, and sending the raw silk to various parts of Tohoku, throughout Japan, and even overseas was an important industry that supported the local economy

The tide turned during the Showa era. With the spread of synthetic fibers, sericulture gradually declined, and mulberry fields came to an end. Fruit trees were then planted in many of the unused mulberry fields, and a new agricultural history was forged that led to present-day Fukushima becoming known as the "Fruit Kingdom."

Kawamata Town, where silk culture remains strong

Although sericulture, once a thriving industry, has now declined, traces of the industry from that time still remain

Kawamata Town, located in the northern part of Fukushima Prefecture, has a long history of silk production dating back to the Heian period, spanning 1,300 years. Known as the " Village of Silk , " the town's symbol is a character based on the legend of Princess Kotehime , who is said to have introduced and spread sericulture to the area

Silk fabrics produced in Kawamata Town are called "Kawamata Silk." They are produced using a special technique that involves weaving thin silk threads in a wide width. Several manufacturers are still producing Kawamata Silk, and the sight of rows of looms whirring in unison inside the factories is magnificent.

While preserving traditional techniques, we also develop products that are in line with the times. Our highly fashionable, lightweight, and supple stoles are popular as Mother's Day gifts and other occasions. "Fairy Feather," which boasts the world's thinnest silk fabric, is another material that is attracting attention worldwide.

The development of Kawamata silk, which evolves traditional culture to meet modern needs, will be something not to be missed

summary

This time, we started our discussion at Shinobu-yama Neko Inari , a mysterious spot where you can pray for the happiness of your beloved cat, and expanded our topic to the history of sericulture and silk weaving in Fukushima

Cats are now primarily seen as pets, but in the past in Japan they were life partners who helped get rid of mice. The reasons may be different, but back then cats were considered "precious" creatures by people. Although sericulture is now in decline, traces of the culture of that time remain in various parts of the prefecture, and the high quality and production techniques of Kawamata silk have attracted attention from around the world

When you visit Shinobu-yama Neko Inari, why not take some time to appreciate not only the cuteness of the cats, but also to reflect on the sericulture culture and local history that lie behind them?

Haruka Hashimoto

Woman in her 30s / Resident of Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture / Writer who handles local gourmet information / Favorite phrase is coexistence and co-prosperity

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