Admission
Free
Sakyo, Kyoto Prefecture
At a Glance
A mouse saved a god's life in Japanese mythology, so this shrine replaced the traditional lion-dog guardians with stone mice instead. Out of 80,000 shrines in Japan, Ōtoyo Jinja is the only one with this unique arrangement.
The shrine's two guardian mice hold symbolic objects: one clutches a sake bottle representing fertility and longevity, while the other carries a scroll symbolizing academic achievement. Visitors leave fresh camellias behind their ears as offerings.
This shrine offers 1 different goshuin designs
Regular
Free
Within 300 m Within 600 m
Arrive prepared to walk the scenic Philosopher's Path to reach the shrine, as it sits at the southern end of this famous route.
Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds that gather on weekends and holidays, especially during the Year of the Rat when visitors flock to see the famous guardian mice.
Look for the two stone mice guardians at the entrance, often decorated with fresh camellia flowers behind their ears. One holds a scroll representing academic achievement, while the other carries a sake bottle symbolizing fertility and longevity, so take time to observe these details before entering.
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The divine spirits venerated at this sacred place
What this place is believed to grant
Fascinating facts about this place
A mouse saved a god's life in Japanese mythology, so this shrine replaced the traditional lion-dog guardians with stone mice instead. Out of 80,000 shrines in Japan, Ōtoyo Jinja is the only one with this unique arrangement.
The shrine's two guardian mice hold symbolic objects: one clutches a sake bottle representing fertility and longevity, while the other carries a scroll symbolizing academic achievement. Visitors leave fresh camellias behind their ears as offerings.
Founded in 887 to pray for Emperor Uda's recovery from illness, this small shrine sits along Kyoto's Philosopher's Path but remains largely unknown compared to the crowded nearby temples of Nanzen-ji and Ginkaku-ji.
Beyond the mice, the shrine features an unusual trio of animal guardians: a monkey, a black kite, and the sacred mice. This whimsical mix is scattered throughout the grounds alongside zodiac figures and even a Mickey Mouse statue.
Seasonal celebrations and special occasions
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