Inu no Miya: Once a Beloved Dog Shrine, Now Empty
This small shrine in Yamagata used to be a place of solace for dog owners whose beloved pets crossed the Rainbow Bridge; now it’s just empty.
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Irugi Shrine: Push Out Bad Luck with Special Prayer Plaques
At a glance, Irugi Shrine is just like any other. Yet one thing sets it apart: it has votive plaques…
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Inari Kio: A Shrine to the Demon King?
This shrine in Shinjuku has “demon king” on its name plate, but nobody really knows why. What secrets does Inari Kio hold?
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Sugatami no Ido: The Life Span-Divining Well of Chomeiji
There’s a spooky water well in Tokyo that can tell you how much longer you have left to live. Would you dare take a look?
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Imado Shrine: Love & Lucky Cats in Asakusa
The lucky cats of Imado Shrine beckon love and bring good fortune.
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Toyoiwa Inari: A Hidden Gem in Ginza
Toyoiwa Inari is a tiny shrine tucked in an alleyway in Ginza that grants success in career and love to those who visit it.
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Kadota Inari: A Shrine of Curses?
As a shrine for cutting ties, Kadota Inari is said to be Japan’s scariest; I, however, found it to be among the saddest I’ve ever seen.
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The Mysterious Kappa Hand at Kappadera Sogenji Temple
Sogenji is an unusual temple in Tokyo that’s home to the mummified hand of a kappa, a playful supernatural entity from Japanese folklore.
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What do People Pray for in Japan’s Love Shrines?
Every year, Japan’s love shrines crowd with people praying to find love. But what exactly does love entail? Imado Shrine gives us an idea.
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Mikami Shrine: Japan’s One and Only Hair Shrine has Amusing Prayer Plaques
Bad hair day? Visit Mikami Shrine and your hair problems might just go away. The prayer plaques are fun to read, too.
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