Meow meow.....Cat God, please keep me safe. I'm going to the Cat Shrine.

#MarchGoodPlaces2025 The Cat Shrine of Kagoshima is located in Senganen Garden. It is said that the seven cats that the 17th feudal lord Shimazu Yoshihiro brought to Korea during the Bunroku Campaign in 1592 were used to judge the changes in time using their pupils. After the battle, only two cats returned safely, so the feudal lord established this "Cat God Shrine" to worship the cat gods and built a small shrine to commemorate them. On February 22, the Cat God Society holds a "Cat Lovers' Longevity Prayer Festival". Because the pronunciation of "meow meow" sounds like that of "meow", it is called Cat Day, or Cat Festival. The torii gate of the Nekojin Shrine is decorated with shimenawa ropes. Many believers come here to offer ema with two yellow and white cats printed on it, praying for the safety and health of their cats at home. The prayers are accompanied by Japanese, Chinese, and Korean words, expressing their deep love for their furry friends. Finally, be sure to buy cat amulets and other cat souvenirs