Neko no Miya Shrine

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				Neko no Miya Shrine, situated opposite Inu no Miya Shrine, was once widely worshipped as the god of sericulture. Meanwhile, it is also known as a god for pets such as cats, and many people visit to pray for their pets' health and to hold memorial services.<br><br>&minus;Origin&minus;<br><br>					During the Enryaku era (781-805), a deeply devout couple named Shōemon and Omine, from a family of hereditary village headmen, lived in Takayasu Village. They had no children and dearly loved their cats, but for some reason, the cats kept falling ill and dying one after another. This time for sure, they prayed to be blessed with a healthy cat. One night, Kannon Bodhisattva appeared in their dreams, delivering an oracle: "I will bestow a cat upon you, so raise it with great care." The next morning, a calico cat appeared in their garden, and the couple was overjoyed, naming it Tama and raising it as dearly as if it were their own child.<br>					Tama grew increasingly fond of the couple and was greatly cherished by the entire village for catching mice.<br>					Strangely, Tama followed Omine wherever she went. Not only when she woke up or went to bed, but especially when she went to the restroom, Tama would stare at the ceiling, ears flattened, growling as if about to pounce. Omine felt uneasy and mentioned it to her husband.<br>					When her husband went to the restroom, pretending to be his wife, Tama indeed made the same gestures. Shōemon grew increasingly suspicious, and the moment he swung his hidden sword, severing the cat's head, the head flew through the air and bit a giant snake that was hiding in the attic.<br>					This giant snake was one that had licked the blood of an old badger, killed by a three-colored dog and a four-colored dog over 70 years ago, and harbored a terrible grudge. It had been biding its time, plotting revenge, but had been unable to act because Tama was protecting the couple.<br>					The couple, upon learning of this, greatly regretted their actions, informed the villagers, reverently buried the remains of the cat who had protected the village's peace, built a hall, and held memorial services twice a year, in spring and autumn.				</p>