The Shikoku Shimbun – Feb 15, 2025 – 16:00 | All, Japan
Dog lovers and their furry friends gathered from across Japan to pay homage at Kotohiragu shrine in Kotohira, Kagawa Prefecture, during an event earlier this year that also included a stamp rally, pet goods market and photo spots in the shrine’s vicinity.
In Japan, shrines are often off limits to pets. Kotohiragu, however, allows visitors to bring their dogs along, as there used to be the practice during the Edo period in which worshippers who could not complete the pilgrimage themselves would send their dog to travel to the shrine on their behalf.
The event was held Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 for the first time by a group formed by local eateries and other businesses with the hopes of boosting the economy via tourism with pets.
The front approach leading to the shrine was crowded with dog lovers and their canines, with a bronze statue depicting the pilgrim dogs, known as “konpira inu,” becoming a popular photo spot.
Visitors participating in a stamp rally toured the main shrine and the rear approach, sometimes struggling to breath as they walked up and down the stone steps and slopes.
A marketplace set up nearby featured about 15 shops selling all kinds of pet-related goods, such as pet food made from wild game meat and non-alcoholic “amazake” fermented rice drink for dogs.
A 54-year-old woman visiting from Tokyo with four friends said, “Many shrines do not allow bringing dogs along, so I am very grateful for this kind of event where we can come together. It is also fun getting to meet dog-lover friends from across Japan and to see other dogs.”
The Shikoku Shimbun
More Shikoku Shimbun stories:
Chilled noodles shimmer in Shikoku winter sun as production peaks
Kotohira high schoolers hold mixed martial arts weapons tournament
New alpha takes charge at monkey park in Kagawa
Feb 15, 2025 | The Shikoku Shimbun
Feb 10, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 3, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Jan 30, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 9, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 8, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
1 hour ago | KYODO NEWS
Feb 17, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 16, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 16, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 16, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 16, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 16, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
Feb 16, 2025 | KYODO NEWS
KYODO NEWS – 1 hour ago – 12:19 | All, Japan
© Kyodo News.
To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox, subscribe here. Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription.
* Something went wrong
Please check your inbox for a confirmation email.
If you wish to change your message, press ‘Cancel’ to go back and edit.
Thank you for reaching out to us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
