Azusami shrine, shrine in Sunagawa-cho, Tachikawa, Tokyo
Azusami shrine is a small Shinto shrine in Tachikawa featuring a simple wooden main building with a gently curved roof, surrounded by tall trees and stone figures. The grounds include an open courtyard area with stone lanterns, benches, and cat statues scattered throughout the space.
The shrine was founded in 1629 during the Kan'ei period and has been part of the local community for hundreds of years. It has been maintained by residents across generations and became central to local traditions and ceremonies.
The shrine connects to local customs where visitors express wishes for safety and good health through offerings and prayers. Visitors often leave images or small figures of cats here, as many come specifically to pray for the safe return of missing pets.
The shrine is easily accessible, located just a short bus ride from Tachikawa Station or about 12 minutes on foot from Musashi Sunagawa Station. Visitors should take their time walking through and enjoy the peaceful setting, especially during early morning or late afternoon hours.
A local jazz pianist nicknamed the shrine 'Nekogaeshi,' meaning 'cat return,' after his own cat repeatedly came back after going missing for extended periods. This story inspired many visitors to come and pray here for the safe return of their missing pets.
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