Inu-neko-sha, Shinto shrine in Japan
Inu-neko-sha is a small shrine in Zama dedicated to protecting dogs and cats. Stone statues of a dog and cat stand at the entrance, framing a simple sanctuary with a round mirror at its center, a common feature in Shinto worship.
Founded in 2012, this shrine emerged when a young woman asked the priest of nearby Zama Shrine to create a space where she could pray for her puppy's health. Its creation marked a turning point in how pets are treated as worthy subjects of religious devotion in Japan.
This shrine reflects how attitudes toward pets have shifted in Japan: once considered unsuitable for sacred spaces, animals are now honored as family members and warmly welcomed. Visitors gently touch the stone dog and cat statues at the entrance, a simple gesture that expresses their deep bond with their animals.
Located about a 15-minute walk from Sobudai-mae Station, the shrine is easily accessible on foot without needing a car. It is a quiet place where you can spend a few moments, making it a good stop during a day out, and you can bring your pets along.
The shrine originated from a young woman's request to create a dedicated space for pets, an unusual founding that transformed a personal wish into a gathering place for a community of animal lovers. This story illustrates how a simple act of compassion reshaped local religious practice.
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