Inunomiya, Nekonomiya, Shinto shrine in Japan
Inunomiya and Nekonomiya are two small shrines in Takahata dedicated to a dog and a cat that saved the village according to local legends. The simple wooden buildings stand on peaceful grounds with stone monuments and small altars where visitors leave offerings.
The dog shrine was built to honor two dogs that defeated a trickster raccoon dog and saved the village but died in the fight. The cat shrine dates to the Enryaku period and remembers a cat seen as an avatar of Kannon Bodhisattva that defeated a dangerous snake.
The shrines honor animals as family members and important companions in the local community. Visitors bring photos, collars, and small gifts to express gratitude for their pets and to remember those that have passed away.
The shrines are accessible year-round by foot from central Takahata and situated on quiet paths with trees and small stone lanterns. Winter snow can cover the paths and limit access, so visiting during warmer months is more practical.
A rare feature is the stone monument along the dog shrine path inscribed with text from 'The Tale of Takasaka Dog', a story written by a famous author and still read by visitors today. Local tradition tells of a couple who lovingly buried their cat and built a small temple in its honor, showing the deep emotional bond between people and their pets.
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