Japan's Three Great Cat Legends: The Hidden Shrine of Tokushima with Over Ten Thousand Lucky Cats

Tokushima Prefecture is located in the eastern part of Shikoku, connected to Honshu by the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and the Ohnaruto Bridge. Rich in traditional culture and natural beauty, Tokushima offers majestic landscapes and historic towns, adding a unique flair to a diverse travel experience. Visitors can enjoy both stunning natural scenery and explore places steeped in history.

Worshiping the Loyal Cat and Amasu: Prayers for Victory

Across Japan, numerous yokai legends are told, and the "Amasu Daigongen Shrine" in Kamo Town, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture, is famous for its cat legend. The shrine honors the loyal calico cat that avenged its owner and Amasu, who died unjustly fighting for justice.

According to legend, during the Edo period, the village chief, Sōbei, saved his desolate village by using his land as collateral to borrow money. After repaying the loan, he died without retrieving the promissory note. The creditor accused Sōbei's widow, Amasu, of owing money, and despite her attempts to sue, she was ultimately executed due to collusion between the officials and the creditor. Later, the calico cat she had cared for transformed into a spirit to avenge its unjustly killed owner. The local villagers built this shrine to honor the loyal cat and Amasu. 

The shrine also contains the "Mi-ke" cat mound, which is said to be famous for granting prayers for success in exams, victories in competitions, and favourable legal outcomes. Many visitors come from far and wide to seek blessings here.

Newly Renovated: A Photo Opportunity with Over Ten Thousand Fortune Cats

Getting to "Amasu Daigongen" can be inconvenient by public transport; it takes about half an hour by bus from the nearest JR "Anan" station. Therefore, driving is recommended. Thanks to its hidden location, the shrine has relatively few visitors, allowing cat lovers to leisurely take photos and enjoy the surroundings. 

The shrine is home to plum and cherry blossom trees, making it a perfect spot for cherry blossom viewing in spring, while the autumn foliage offers stunning views of vibrant maple leaves. 

The "Amasu Daigongen Shrine" was newly renovated in 2022, featuring the newly established "Den-shō no Yakata" exhibition hall. Here, visitors can learn about the manga version of the cat legends and the shrine's history, as well as purchase adorable cat-themed ema and talismans, original souvenirs, and local products. The shrine's "Cat Corridor" spectacularly displays the accumulated lucky cats offered by devotees over the years, with over ten thousand charming lucky cats lined up side by side, creating a truly impressive sight!

After finishing your photo session in the "Cat Corridor," don’t rush to leave! Take a stroll through the expansive temple grounds. If you pay close attention, you’ll discover hidden figures like Fudō Myōō, Jizō cats, the Cat Buddha, and the Seven Fortune Cats scattered throughout. Cat enthusiasts will surely delight in these finds. If you have a special connection with cats, you might even encounter the beloved local mascot, "Fuku-chan," a plump and adorable cat cherished by the community!

Amasu Daigongen Shrine Information

Address: 63 Kamocho Fukake, Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture

Opening Hours: 9 am- 5 pm

Transportation: About 50 minutes by car from JR "Tokushima" Station; take bus No. 202 from JR "Anan" Station to "Kamotani" Station, then a 1-minute walk.

Website: https://www.nekogami.jp