Kiyama Shrine in Maniwa City, where you can meet a real beckoning cat. We also introduce the cute goshuin (shrine seal)

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).

Kiyama Shrine｜Official X

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

Learn more

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?