Kiyama Shrine in Maniwa City: Meet a Real Maneki-neko (Lucky Cat)! Cute Goshuin (Temple Stamps)
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 mountain trees, 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 Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!
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What is Kiyama Shrine?
Kiyama Shrine is a historic shrine located in Maniwa City , Okayama Prefecture , which was founded over 1,200 years ago. It is said that worship in this area existed even before the shrine was built. Several buildings, such as the worship hall and connecting corridors, are registered as tangible cultural properties of the country, and there is Toyotomi to see. The shrine has also gained popularity for having a "real-life 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's a 6-year-old boy who was taking a nap when the shrine priest woke him up. He showed me his cute face, and when I let him touch me, he was so fluffy and adorable. You can check Ten-chan's working days on his official X (formerly Twitter) account.
Where can I meet Ten-chan?
You can meet Ten-chan at the gift shop on the left hand side of the worship hall. At the gift shop, you can receive charms, goshuin (temple seals), and more. Prayer times are 9:00-11:30 in the morning and 13:30-15:30 in the afternoon. Goshuin (temple seals) are available until 15:30.
*Please refrain from asking for a temple stamp or meeting the beckoning cat during Ten-chan's lunchtime 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 amulets available, and the illustration of Ten-chan tearing through a shoji screen will make you smile.
Lucky cat fortune
The fortune slips are also shaped like beckoning cats, which cat lovers will love.
Cute goshuin stamps! Seasonal designs available too
The goshuin stamps are stamped with cute cat and paw print designs. There are also seasonal paper cutout goshuin stamps, featuring delicately cut-out images of sunflowers, maple leaves, and martens.
Highlight 1: Nationally registered tangible cultural property
There is much 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 lantern
The ceiling of the worship hall is lined with sacred lanterns that have been donated, creating a truly impressive sight.
Highlight 3: Calligraphy by Hirobumi Ito
Inside the worship hall, there is also a calligraphy piece written by Ito Hirobumi.
Highlight 4: Praying for victory to Susanoo-no-Mikoto! 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. The shrine is also decorated with autographs of famous sumo wrestlers.
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 Shrine
About a seven-minute drive up the mountain path from Kiyama Shrine is 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.
Adoption events for rescued cats and dogs are also held.
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 taught us about the shrine
The chief priest of Kiyama Shrine has experience as a member of a band, and he said, "I would like people of all kinds to come and worship here. I would especially recommend this shrine to people who love 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): Approximately 15 minutes from Ochiai IC on the Chugoku Expressway
Public transport: Take the bus bound for Takaoka from JR Mimasaka Ochiai Station for about 10 minutes, get off at Kiyama Torii-mae bus stop and walk for about 30 minutes
Conclusion
Kiyama Shrine, home to the adorable "real-life beckoning cat," is the perfect place to soothe your soul in its rich natural and historical environment. Why not come and meet Ten-chan and pay your respects?
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Center of Western Japan and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It's conveniently located halfway between famous tourist destinations like Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima! It's also the gateway to Shikoku via the Seto. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Okayama," and the fruits that are sun-drenched in the warm climate of the Setouchi are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-class tourist spots, including Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which boasts history, culture, and art!
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