Kotohira-jinja Shrine

In short

Kotohira-jinja Shrine is a Shinto shrine in Izumi, Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City, known locally as "Mineyama no Konpira-san." It was established in 1811 by Kyogoku Takamasa, the 7th feudal lord of the Mineyama Domain, who brought a divided spirit from Kotohira-gu Shrine in Sanuki. It has gathered faith from across the entire Tango region as a deity of business prosperity, matchmaking, and success in examinations.

• ​A-un guardian cats​​: In front of Konoshima-jinja Shrine on the grounds sits a pair of stone cats, the komaneko (guardian cats). They are rare guardian cats, which the shrine itself introduces as "said to be the only ones in Japan," and are a cultural property of Kyotango City
• ​A legend of the crepe town​​: It is said that, to protect silkworms from mice, people involved in chirimen welcomed and enshrined the god of sericulture and dedicated cat statues
• ​Amulets and a festival related to the guardian cats​​: Amulets, ema votive plaques, and goshuin shrine stamps featuring the komaneko are also available. Every autumn, a "Komaneko Festival" is also held

History and Highlights

​Kotohira-jinja Shrine​ is a Shinto shrine located in Izumi, Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City, and is known locally as "Mineyama no Konpira-san." It was established in 1811, during the Bunka era of the Edo period, when Kyogoku Takamasa, the 7th feudal lord of the Mineyama Domain, brought a divided spirit from Sanuki's Kotohira-gu Shrine. The enshrined deity is Omononushi-no-Okami. At the time of its founding, it was called "Konpira Gongen-sha," and was renamed to its current name during the Meiji period.

Within the shrine grounds, bronze lanterns dedicated by the feudal Kyogoku family still remain, reflecting the deep ties with the domain. It has gathered faith from across the entire Tango region as a deity of business prosperity, matchmaking, and academic success in examinations.

The shrine is particularly known for the pair of stone guardian cats, called komaneko, sitting in front of Konoshima-jinja Shrine on the grounds. Mineyama was a town that flourished through Tango Chirimen Silk Crepe, and silkworms that produced silk threads were troubled by damage caused by mice. Therefore, it is said that people involved in chirimen welcomed and enshrined the god of sericulture from Konoshima-jinja Shrine in Uzumasa, Kyoto, and dedicated cat statues to protect the silkworms from mice. The komaneko have been designated as a cultural property of Kyotango City and are also among the cultural properties of the Japan Heritage "Tango Chirimen Silk Crepe Corridor."

Sights and Experiences

• ​A-un Guardian Cats (Komaneko)​​: The cat on the left with an open mouth was dedicated in 1832 during the Edo period, and the cat on the right with a closed mouth was dedicated 14 years later. Take time to closely compare the expressions of these rare guardian cats, which the shrine itself introduces as "said to be the only ones in Japan."
• ​A Shrine Tied to the Domain Lords​​: Walking along the approach from the Otorii (grand gate), visitors can sense the atmosphere of a shrine built by the Kyogoku family of the Mineyama Domain, which has drawn worshippers since the domain era.
• ​Amulets Related to the Guardian Cats​​: Amulets, ema (votive plaques), and goshuin (shrine stamps) featuring the komaneko are available and popular as mementos of worship. Every autumn, a "Komaneko Festival" related to the guardian cats is also held.

Walking Tips

The shrine is about 800 meters from Mineyama Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway, making it accessible on foot. It is right next to the "Kotohira Jinja-mae" bus stop on the Tankai Bus. When visiting by car, setting the shrine name as the destination in map applications may direct you to the back entrance where cars cannot enter, so set the shrine parking lot as your destination instead.

Around the shrine, old streetscapes preserving remnants of the town from when it was a jinya (administrative seat) town of the Mineyama Domain continue. Along the road extending north from in front of the shrine, there is also a stone monument marking the origins of Tango Chirimen Silk Crepe, allowing visitors to enjoy a stroll alongside the history of the crepe town. In autumn, the shrine grounds take on autumn colors.