Kotohira Shrine, Shinto shrine in Japan
Kotohira Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Kyōtango situated on a gentle hilltop surrounded by trees. The main hall features simple wooden architecture in traditional style, with stone lanterns and small statues dotting the well-maintained grounds.
The shrine was established in 1811 by Kyōgoku Takamasa to honor deities of the sea and safe travel. After a major earthquake in 1927 devastated the buildings, the community rebuilt it, and it reopened in 1933.
The shrine features guardian cats instead of the typical dog statues seen at other shrines. These felines represent a local tradition connected to the silk industry, as people believed they protected silkworms from rodents that threatened this once vital craft.
The shrine is roughly 15 minutes on foot from Mineyama Station and is clearly marked with signs. Visitors should dress modestly and show respect when walking through the grounds and past prayer areas.
The shrine stands out for its guardian cats called Komaneko, a rare feature that sets it apart from other shrines with dog statues. These charming feline figures scattered throughout the grounds attract photographers and visitors curious about this distinctive detail.
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