What comes to mind when you think about cats? Grace? Independence? Here at Neko-dera Temple, those feline qualities are celebrated. Neko-dera Temple is more affectionately called “Cat Temple”. This isn’t just a cute nickname. It is deeply rooted in the temple’s history. The story goes that back in 1606, the powerful ruler Hideyori Toyotomi commissioned Neko-dera Temple. It was built as a dedication to his beloved cat. Can you picture the grand ceremonies that must have accompanied the temple’s opening? Fast forward to the third Tokugawa shogun, Iemitsu. He too was said to have been a devoted cat lover. It is believed that Iemitsu often visited Neko-dera Temple to find peace and solace in the company of cats. This tradition of cat-loving seems to have permeated the temple’s very essence. Even today, Neko-dera Temple is a haven for our feline friends. You might even spot a few napping in the sunbeams that bathe the temple grounds. So take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of this unique temple. Remember, as you wander the grounds, you’re walking in the footsteps of shoguns and through centuries of feline devotion.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to