Otoyo Shrine Kyoto: The Only Mouse Shrine in Japan on the Philosopher’s Path

Otoyo Shrine is located in Kyoto’s Sakyo Ward, tucked into a quiet corner right next to the Philosopher’s Path.
The shrine was founded in the year 887, originally built to pray for the health of Emperor Uda.

What makes this shrine truly special is that it’s the only shrine in Japan where mice are the guardian animals.

If you love collecting animal-themed omikuji or enjoy discovering unique shrine culture, this place is definitely worth a visit.

The Path to Otoyo Shrine

You can spot the entrance to the shrine directly from the Philosopher’s Path, there’s a large ema featuring a mouse right at the front.

Along the approach, you’ll see flags lined up on both sides.

And even a pair of funny-looking… komainu? (They look a bit too playful to be lions!)

At the end of the path is the main shrine, surrounded by trees and lush greenery.
The whole place has a very peaceful atmosphere.

Otoyo Shrine Main Hall: The Guardian Snakes

In front of the main hall, you’ll find a pair of black-and-white guardian snake statues.
These snakes represent healing, longevity, protection from illness, and good fortune.

Inside the main hall, there’s also a wooden mouse statue with a big “Welcome” sign, very international!😂

Sub-Shrines of Otoyo Shrine

The shrine grounds aren’t large, but if you walk up the stone steps, you’ll find several small sub-shrines, each guarded by a different animal.

Daikoku-sha: Guardian Mice

The highlight of Otoyo Shrine is definitely the pair of guardian mice in front of Daikoku-sha.

This hall enshrines Okuninushi no Mikoto.
According to legend, he once escaped a fire thanks to a mouse that dug a hole for him to hide in.
Because of this story, mice became his protectors and symbols of:

• health and longevity
• protection from illness
• safe childbirth
• academic success

The left mouse holds a water sphere, symbolizing good health, protection, and safe childbirth.

The right mouse holds a scroll, representing wisdom and academic achievement.

Hiyoshi-sha: Guardian Monkeys

Hiyoshi-sha is dedicated to the mountain deity Sannō Gongen and is mainly visited for protection from misfortune.

In front of the hall stands a pair of guardian monkeys, believed to ward off evil and keep visitors safe from bad luck.

Atago-sha: Guardian Birds

Atago-sha enshrines the god of fire, who is worshipped for fire prevention and home safety.
The guardian statues here are birds, symbolizing protection from fire and safeguarding the home.

Mita Inari-sha: Guardian Foxes

Mita Inari-sha is dedicated to the Inari deity, associated with prosperity and good harvests.
Foxes, the messengers of the Inari god, guard the shrine and symbolize successful business and plentiful crops.

Animal Omikuji: Perfect for Collectors

Otoyo Shrine is also a favorite spot for people who love collecting animal omikuji.
They offer many different animal designs, mouse, ox, tiger, rabbit… I think there might even be the full 12 zodiac animals.

Since this shrine is especially famous for its mice, I chose the mouse omikuji.

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I really enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere here.
Each sub-shrine has its own guardian animal, story, and meaning, and it’s fun to explore all of them.
Plus, the animal omikuji are really cute.

If you’re planning to walk the Philosopher’s Path, this shrine is a lovely hidden stop you shouldn’t miss.

Otoyo Shrine Information

• Address: 1 Shishigatani Miyano-mae-chō, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto
• Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Otoyo Shrine: How to Get There

• Subway:
  • Take the Kyoto Municipal Subway Tozai Line to Keage Station, then walk north along the Philosopher’s Path for about 25 minutes.
• Subway + Bus:
  • Take the subway to Marutamachi Station, transfer to Bus 93 or 204, get off at Shinnyodo-mae, and walk about 10 minutes.