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A Jodo temple built in 1606 by the monk Gakuyo, widely known by the nickname Neko-dera (Cat Temple). Legend holds that although the monk Gakuyo was in poverty, he cared tenderly for his pet cat, and one night the cat danced to summon parishioners. The temple still cherishes its connection with cats and is known as a rare place that performs memorial services for pets and animals. The main hall rec…

Shounenji is a Jodo-sect Buddhist temple founded in 1606 by the monk Gakuyo in the Nishijin district of Kyoto. According to temple legend, Gakuyo lived in poverty yet cared tenderly for his pet cat; one night the cat is said to have danced and summoned parishioners, thereby rescuing the struggling t…