Inu no Miya Shrine

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				This shrine is the setting for the Naoki Prize-winning work 『TakaYasu Inu Monogatari』 (The Tale of the TakaYasu Dog) by animal writer Yukio Togawa, which begins with the line, 'Chin was the last dog to maintain the pure bloodline of a TakaYasu dog.' It is also known as a deity for safe childbirth and good health, and as a shrine dedicated to dogs, it is rare nationwide, attracting many visitors who pray for the health and repose of their beloved pets.<br><br>&minus;Origin&minus;<br><br>　During the Wado era (708-714 AD), an official from the capital came and gathered the villagers, saying, 'Though this village has historically cultivated fields without paying land tax, starting this year, instead of land tax, you must offer children every spring and autumn.' The villagers were greatly saddened and troubled.<br>　One year, a blind minstrel (zato) returning from Monjudo Temple lost his way and asked for lodging for the night. It happened to be the house that was to offer a child as the human tax that year.<br>　That night, the official appeared and, while enjoying a feast, repeatedly emphasized, 'Do not tell the Calico Dog (Mikeinu) and the Four-colored Dog (Shikeinu) of Kai Province about this' as he left. The zato, overhearing this, sent a messenger to Kai Province to borrow the Calico Dog and the Four-colored Dog. He then imparted various wisdom and left the village.<br>　The villagers immediately invited the official to a drinking party. Once he was drunk, they released the two dogs, and a fierce brawl ensued. When the surroundings fell silent, they cautiously peeked into the room and found two large badgers, like calves, and numerous wild badgers piled up dead in a sea of blood. Beside them, the Calico Dog and the Four-colored Dog lay barely breathing. The villagers desperately tried to treat them, but the dogs eventually died. It is said that the shrine built to honor these dogs, which saved the village, following a divine message to make them the village guardians, is the present-day Inu no Miya Shrine.				</p>