[Kyoto] If you're planning a temple and shrine tour in Kyoto, this is a must-visit! Introducing Cat Temple, where you can meet cats!

There are also spots where you can meet cats among the historic temples and shrines of Kyoto. It would be fun to stroll around Kyoto with a "cat" theme as part of your usual sightseeing. We will introduce you to some cat temples that cat lovers should definitely visit.

cat cat temple

In Yase, located at the foot of Mount Hiei, there is a rare cat spot where a cat serves as the chief priest. It is called "Nyan Nyanji Temple" and is said to be the head temple of the Maneki Neko sect. Of course, this sect does not actually exist, so Neko Neko Temple is not a real temple, but a temple-style theme park converted from an old Japanese house. Enshrined in the Buddhist altar room is a huge principal image of Dainichi Nyarai. This Neko Rai is said to be a collaborative work between Neko Neko Temple owner Toru and his eldest son, Masano, a cat artist.

Adorable artworks and miscellaneous goods welcome you

Neko Neko Temple has a gallery space where Masano's works and animals made from wool felt by Neko Neko Temple's wife are on display.

There's also a general goods store called "little footmark REN," where you'll be greeted by adorable dog and cat themed goods. Most of the items are one-of-a-kind, but they also sell affordable accessories like postcards and key chains that can be purchased for just a few hundred yen.

Get a goshuin stamp!

If you visit Neko Neko Temple, be sure to get a goshuin stamp! The regular version of the goshuin stamp costs 300 yen, and each one comes with a hand-drawn illustration, such as hydrangeas in summer or snow in winter, so you'll want to collect several. The goshuin stamps available only on days when the cat priest is in service cost 500 yen and feature an illustration of each cat.

You'll be lucky to meet these cat priests

There are 10 cats at Neko Neko Temple, including the first cat priest, Koyuki, the second cat priest, Waka, and the third cat priest, Chin. However, the cat priests live far away with their owners, so they only come to work once or twice a month, so you're lucky if you even see them. Many fans come just to meet the beautiful pure white cat, Koyuki. You can check the cat priests' work days on the Neko Neko Temple website. Ren-chan, the beloved cat of the owners and couple of Neko Neko Temple and an apprentice priest, also sometimes pops in. Ren-chan is elderly, so he often takes naps in the office these days. If you're lucky, you might even get to interact with Ren-chan when he appears in the cafe.

cat cat temple 520 Yase Konoecho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Access: Take the Kyoto Bus, get off at Mikogabuchi, and walk for about 2 minutes. Routes 17 and 18 from Kyoto Station Route 19 from Kokusaikaikan Station on the Karasuma Subway Line Route 16 from Shijo Kawaramachi

Shonenji Temple (Cat Temple)

Shonenji Temple in the Nishijin area is a cat temple known for the anecdote "The Cat Returns." It is not a tourist temple, so the main hall is not open to the public, but you are free to enter and exit the grounds. There are cat pines planted in the grounds, which are said to resemble the shape of a cat lying down.

The famous anecdote of The Cat Returns

Shonenji Temple, established in 1606 by Matsudaira Nobuyoshi, is famous for the story of "The Cat Returns." This story has nothing to do with the Ghibli film. It takes place in the early Edo period. Following the death of his beloved lord and the loss of temple lands, the temple's third head priest, Kanyo, was living in poverty, struggling to even afford food. Despite this, Kanyo cherished his pet cat and refused to give it up. Even if he couldn't eat, he would feed the cat. One day, as the head priest was returning from a begging spree, he witnessed a beautiful princess dancing in elegant clothing. The priest recognized the shadow of the princess as a cat and realized it was the incarnation of his beloved cat. In a rage, he chased her away. A few days later, the cat appeared at the head priest's bedside and told him, "A samurai will be visiting the temple tomorrow. Treat him well. If you do so, the temple will surely be restored." The next day, a samurai from the Matsudaira clan visited and asked for the funeral of the deceased princess. This led to Shonen-ji Temple being reunited with the Matsudaira clan, and the temple flourished greatly, a true example of the cat's return of gratitude.

Get a cat charm

At Shonenji Temple, you can purchase a charm to pray for the health of animals. It features a cute cat illustration and costs 400 yen, and is available in red or purple. It is filled with the wish that you will be able to spend as many days as possible with your beloved pet. Incidentally, the model for the illustration is the head priest's beloved cat, Miiko. Unfortunately, she has since passed away, but she rests in the memorial monument "Tomodachi" located immediately to the right as you enter the temple gate. 275 Nishikumacho, Kamigyo-ku, Kita-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture Access: Take the city bus, get off at Kenryu School, and walk for about 5 minutes. Route 206 from Kyoto Station Route 59 from Imadegawa Station on the Karasuma Subway Line

summary

Neko Neko Temple is the only temple in Japan where a cat serves as the chief priest. View cat-themed art, take a break at the cafe, and get a commemorative goshuin stamp. If you're lucky, you might even get to meet the first cat priest, Koyuki, and the owner and his wife's beloved cat, Ren-chan. Shonenji Temple is a cat temple known for the anecdote of a cat's return of gratitude. If you have a pet, be sure to purchase a charm to pray for the health of your pet.