お松大権現, Shinto shrine in Japan
Omatsu Daigongen is a Shinto shrine located in Anan, in Tokushima Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. The grounds include a main hall and several smaller structures, surrounded by cat statues and votive offerings left by worshippers.
The shrine was built to honor the spirit of Omatsu, a woman from the Edo period who, according to local legend, died under tragic circumstances and whose spirit became associated with cats. Over time, the site grew into a local place of worship drawing believers from the surrounding region.
The shrine's name refers to Omatsu, a woman from the Edo period whose spirit is venerated here. Visitors today notice many cat statues and cat-themed charms throughout the grounds, as cats are closely tied to her story.
The shrine is accessible from the city of Anan and suits a short visit on foot around the grounds. Comfortable footwear is useful, and visitors are expected to follow the usual etiquette observed at Shinto shrines.
Although the shrine is relatively small, it draws people who come specifically to pray for their cats, making it one of the few places in Japan where pets are brought into prayer. Some visitors leave small figurines or photographs of their cats as offerings.
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