Kiyama Shrine in Maniwa City, where you can meet a real beckoning cat. We also introduce the cute goshuin (shrine seal)
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Introducing "Kiyama Shrine" in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, where you can find a "real-life beckoning cat"! The mystical atmosphere of the tranquil grounds surrounded by the trees of the mountains will purify your soul!
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Okayama Prefecture is located in the center of western Japan and is known as the ``Land of Sunny'' due to its mild climate with little rain throughout the year. Conveniently located in the middle of famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto Ohashi Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that have been exposed to the sun in the warm climate of Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and taste. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peach, muscat, and pione! There are also world-class sightseeing spots such as ``Okayama Castle'', ``Okayama Korakuen'', one of Japan's three famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are proud of their history, culture, and art!
What is Kiyama Shrine?
Kiyama Shrine is a historic shrine located in Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture, founded over 1,200 years ago. It is said that worship in this area existed before the shrine was built. Several buildings, such as the worship hall and connecting corridors, are registered as tangible cultural properties by the country, and there is much to see. The shrine has also become popular for having a real beckoning cat for the past 11 years.
Ten-chan, the "real beckoning cat"
Let me introduce you to Ten-chan, a "real-life beckoning cat." He is a 6-year-old boy who was taking a nap when the chief priest woke him up. He showed me his cute face, and when I touched him, he was so fluffy and adorable. You can check Ten-chan's working days on the official X (formerly Twitter).
Where can I meet Ten-chan?
You can meet Ten-chan at the gift shop on the left hand side of the worship hall. You can receive amulets and red seals at the gift shop. Prayer times are 9:00-11:30 in the morning and 13:30-15:30 in the afternoon. Red seals are available until 15:30.
*Please refrain from asking for temple stamps or meeting the beckoning cats during Ten-chan's lunch hours (12:00-13:00).
Original Goshuincho (stamp book)
Kiyama Shrine has an original goshuincho (stamp book) with a cute beckoning cat character.
Cute charm
There are many types of charms available, and the illustration of Ten-chan tearing through a shoji screen will bring a smile to your face.
Lucky cat fortune slip
The fortune slips are also shaped like beckoning cats, which cat lovers will love.
Cute goshuin stamps! Seasonal designs available too!
The goshuin stamps feature cute cat and paw prints. There are also seasonal paper-cut goshuin stamps, featuring delicately cut-out images of sunflowers, maple leaves, and martens.
Highlight 1: Nationally registered tangible cultural property
There is a lot to see at Kiyama Shrine. The corridor leading to the worship hall is a registered tangible cultural property of the country and forms a beautiful curve.
Highlight ② The spectacular sacred lanterns
The ceiling of the worship hall is lined with donated sacred lanterns, creating a truly impressive sight.
Highlight 3: Calligraphy by Hirobumi Ito
Inside the worship hall there is also a calligraphy piece handwritten by Ito Hirobumi.
Must-see #4: Praying to Susanoo for victory! Signs from famous sumo wrestlers
Kiyama Shrine, which enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, is also known as the god of competitions, and many people visit to pray for victory. Signs of famous sumo wrestlers are also displayed here.
Highlight 5: The magnificent vermilion torii gate
The vermilion torii gate of Kiyama Shrine is very large, and hydrangeas are planted on both sides of the approach to the shrine. During the rainy season, the shrine will be decorated with beautiful hydrangeas.
Highlight ⑥ Okumiya
If you drive up the mountain path for about 7 minutes from Kiyama Shrine, you will come to the Okumiya, where Gozu Tenno (a syncretic Shinto-Buddhist deity) is enshrined. This was Kiyama Shrine until it was moved to its current location in 1962 (Showa 37). Please be sure to visit here as well.
There are also adoption events for rescued cats and dogs.
Kiyama Shrine also holds adoption events for rescued cats and dogs. The next one is scheduled for November 3, 2024. We hope that many cats and dogs will be able to live happily ever after.
Kiyama Shrine official website
The chief priest who told us about the shrine
The chief priest of Kiyama Shrine is also a former band member, and said, "I would like people of all kinds to come and worship here. I would especially recommend this shrine to people who like cats and animals, music, and cars."
Access and parking information
You can park your car within the temple grounds. You can also park in the first and second parking lots at the bottom of the slope leading to the main hall. Please note that the road to the temple grounds is a one-way street.
[Kiyama Shrine]
Address: 1265-1 Kiyama , Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture
Access (car): About 15 minutes from Ochiai IC on the Chugoku Expressway
Access (public): Take the bus bound for Takaokakami from JR Mimasaka Ochiai Station for about 10 minutes, get off at "Kiyama Torii-mae" and walk for about 30 minutes
Conclusion
Kiyama Shrine, home to the cute "real-life beckoning cat," is a perfect place to soothe your soul in an environment rich in nature and history. Why not come and meet Ten-chan and pray?
Written by
Okayama Prefecture is located in the center of western Japan and is known as the ``Land of Sunny'' due to its mild climate with little rain throughout the year. Conveniently located in the middle of famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto Ohashi Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that have been exposed to the sun in the warm climate of Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and taste. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peach, muscat, and pione! There are also world-class sightseeing spots such as ``Okayama Castle'', ``Okayama Korakuen'', one of Japan's three famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are proud of their history, culture, and art!
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