Inu Shrine

Dogs in Japanese mythology are equal parts lovable buddies and mischievous tricksters. While the divine dogs at Hodosan Shrine and the dog that helped Momotaro are definitely good boys, the Dog King enshrined at the aptly named Inu Shrine is a little more unpredictable.

Inu Shrine Origins

Photo by: Matt Coslett

According to legend, the shrine was built over a cleansing talisman that became a curse after curious visitors opened it. Since the talisman was dedicated to a mysterious ‘Dog King’, a local wise man suggested building a shrine and dedicating it to the kingly canine. Luckily, the temperamental Dog King was appeased and even started to bestow blessings on visitors. As dogs can give birth to multiple puppies without strain, local women believed that the Dog King’s statue would grant them a painless delivery.

Dog-themed Lucky Charms

Photo by: Matt Coslett

The shrine sells lovable dog-themed lucky charms for an easy birth and healthy children. Mothers would rub the belly of the Dog King and then their own baby bump to get a powerful blessing.

Inu Shrine houses the kami (Shinto god) Inuhime, and is named after her (Inu), not the Dog King. Despite her name having inu (the Japanese word for dog) in it, Inuhime is actually human-looking and is said to favor couples. She is especially fond of newlyweds, bestowing fertility and marital bliss on young couples.

The smaller building in the shrine is also a popular place to make prayers on dog-themed prayer boards. Families come here to write prayers for the health and prosperity of their members.

This shrine is the perfect symbol of how animals and kami are woven into Japanese culture. Dogs may be loyal companions, but here, they’re happy to dole out blessings and curses. If you ever find yourself nearby, offer a prayer, give the Dog King’s belly a rub and take some canine-inspired good fortune home with you.