The History of Oji Shrine
The shrine’s principal deity is Amatsuhikone-no-Mikoto, traditionally regarded as the third son of Amaterasu, the sun goddess. According to local tradition, the deity has long been revered as a guardian of the community, and a tomb associated with the deity is said to lie behind the main shrine buildings.
However, the Tokushima Prefecture Shrine Directory records a different account of the shrine’s origins, tracing its establishment to the Sengoku period (the Warring States period). According to this account, Shono Izumi-no-kami, lord of Ebi-yama Castle, invited the deity from Tado Shrine in Ise, now part of Mie Prefecture.
Over time, Oji Shrine became an important local guardian shrine. It is also said to have received generations of devotion from the Hasegawa family, an influential senior retainer family associated with the Hachisuka domain, which governed the region during the Edo period.
Why Is It Called Oji Shrine?
The name “Oji” is traditionally understood as an honorific referring to a prince of Amaterasu. This connection reflects the shrine’s association with the divine lineage of Japanese mythology.
The more familiar nickname, “Neko-gami-san,” comes from the legend known as the Awa Cat Incident. This dramatic tale of injustice, loyalty, and revenge has helped establish the shrine’s reputation as a place where visitors pray for their wishes to come true.
The Legend of the Awa Cat Incident
The Awa Cat Incident is a local legend said to date back approximately 300 years. The story takes place in Kamo Village in Naka District, in what is now Anan City, Tokushima Prefecture.
According to the tale, a village headman’s daughter named Omatsu was falsely accused of a crime and sentenced to death. Before her execution, she instructed her beloved cat, Otama, to avenge her after she was gone.
Following Omatsu’s death, Otama is said to have brought misfortune upon the people responsible for the false accusation. In an effort to appease the spirits, the Hasegawa family enshrined Omatsu and Otama, honoring both the wronged woman and her devoted cat.
The story became closely associated with Oji Shrine and contributed to its reputation as a place where prayers are answered. Over time, people began visiting to pray for success in examinations, good fortune, and prosperity in business.
What Visitors Pray For at the Cat Shrine
Oji Shrine continues to attract worshippers seeking blessings for important goals and turning points in life. It is particularly well known for prayers related to academic achievement, passing entrance examinations, good fortune, successful business ventures, and finding a suitable partner.
The story of Omatsu and Otama gives the shrine a distinctive identity, while its peaceful surroundings provide a setting for quiet reflection. Visitors interested in Japanese folk beliefs may find the connection between the shrine, the cat legend, and local devotional practices especially fascinating.
The Deities Enshrined at Oji Shrine
Three principal figures are associated with worship at Oji Shrine:
Amatsuhikone-no-Mikoto: A deity traditionally described as the third son of Amaterasu and revered as a guardian of the local community.
Omatsu Daimyojin: The spirit of Omatsu, the village headman’s daughter who was said to have been unjustly executed.
Otama Daimyojin: The spirit of Omatsu’s beloved cat, Otama, which features prominently in the legend of the Awa Cat Incident.
Their association brings together Shinto mythology, local history, and folk tradition, making Oji Shrine an unusual and culturally distinctive place to visit.
Other Shrines Associated with the Princes of Amaterasu
Oji Shrine is not the only shrine in the wider Tokushima area associated with the sons of Amaterasu. Other shrines commemorate different members of this divine lineage.
I-Oji Shrine: Associated with Ame-no-Oshihomimi-no-Mikoto, traditionally regarded as the eldest son of Amaterasu.
Mi-agata Shrine: Associated with Ame-no-Hohi-no-Mikoto, traditionally regarded as the second son. This shrine is located within the grounds of Toyokuni Shrine in Komatsushima City.
Shioji Shrine: Located in Hase, Hachiman-cho, and associated with Ikutsuhikone-no-Mikoto, traditionally regarded as the fourth son.
Kumano Shrine: Located in Joroku-cho and associated with Kumano Kusubi-no-Mikoto, traditionally regarded as the fifth son.
These shrines offer additional opportunities to explore the ways in which Japanese mythology and local religious traditions are reflected in the region’s sacred sites.
Access to Oji Shrine
By Bus
From JR Tokushima Station, take a Tokushima City Bus from bus stop 3 bound for Bunka-no-Mori or Ichihara via the bypass. Get off at the Bunka-no-Mori stop. The shrine is located within the grounds of Bunka-no-Mori General Park.
Alternatively, from bus stop 4, take a Tokushima Bus service on the Sanagouchi Line bound for Niida-nishi or a service bound for Kamiyama High School via Ogi. Get off at Enose Bridge and walk for approximately 10 minutes.
Visitors travelling by rail can also use Bunka-no-Mori Station on the JR Mugi Line, although the walk to the shrine takes approximately 35 minutes.
By Car
From Tokushima Prefectural Government Office, travel south along National Route 55 and follow the signs to Bunka-no-Mori General Park. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. Visitors can use the parking facilities at the park.
Explore Bunka-no-Mori General Park
Oji Shrine’s location within Bunka-no-Mori General Park makes it easy to combine a visit with other cultural attractions. The park is home to facilities including Tokushima Prefectural Museum and Tokushima Prefectural Library, offering opportunities to learn about the region’s history, natural environment, and cultural heritage.
Visitors can spend time exploring the shrine before continuing to the park’s museums and other facilities. This combination of spiritual tradition, greenery, and cultural learning makes the area an appealing destination for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of Tokushima.
Discover the Story Behind Tokushima’s Cat Shrine
Oji Shrine is a distinctive destination where local faith, Japanese mythology, and folk storytelling come together. Its nickname, the Cat Shrine, reflects the enduring legend of Omatsu and Otama, a tale that has inspired generations of worshippers to pray for good fortune, academic success, and prosperity.
Set amid the greenery of Bunka-no-Mori General Park, the shrine offers a peaceful place to experience a less familiar side of Tokushima’s cultural heritage. For visitors interested in Japanese legends, traditional beliefs, and unusual sacred sites, Oji Shrine is well worth including in a Tokushima itinerary.