Find Your Inner Zen At Kyoto’s Meow Meow Temple With The Help Of Cat Monks
Going on a holiday can sometimes be a hectic experience with so many things to see, but so little time. Well, it’ll be worth it to take some time out to visit this unique temple. Who knows, you might be able to find some inner peace?
Nyan Nyan Ji, which translates to Meow Meow Temple, is a cat temple in Kyoto, Japan that is staffed by, well, cats.
If you’re lucky enough, you’ll be greeted by the head monk Koyuki, according to arts & photography site Bored Panda.
Koyuki is the head monk of the cat temple
The head monk is Koyuki, who takes her duties seriously. Her name means “little snow”, which is fitting for a white cat. She was originally a stray cat but now has a “fine priest job“.
However, she knows the importance of taking a break too.
She occasionally serves as a fortune cat.
Temple supported by other ‘monks’
Koyuki is 7 years old this year, but already has 2 generations of monks behind her. Perhaps they are her potential successors.
Chin may look similar to Koyuki, but he has a striking difference: his eyes have different colours. He is the second generation’s monk.
Waka is a 3rd-generation monk who has ginger fur. His features are more rounded than his seniors.
There’s also apprentice cats that can help to ‘support’ the temple’s activities.
In an interview with Bored Panda, Koyuki’s owner shared that there are other cats ‘working’ in the temple.
Currently, there are about 5 other cats. Yet, Koyuki remains the most popular cat.
Cat temple in Kyoto also has a café
There’s also a café in Meow Meow Temple. “Visitors who come to worship play with cats and enjoy cafés and cat art,” said the owner.
Of course, the dishes are cat-themed too, which definitely adds to the pawsitive experience.
There are main dishes too, complete with hot miso soup with a cat-shaped tofu.
According to the temple’s Facebook page, they sell handmade goods and hold various events in their gallery every month too. They often hold workshops as well.
Great experience to have
This will definitely be an intriguing experience you can share with your friends. We hope the temple will gift you a meow-titude of great memories during your visit.
If you’re interested in visiting Meow Meow Temple, here’s the location.
Address: Japan, 〒601-1253 Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Yasekonoecho, 520
Opening hours: 11am-6pm (Japan Standard Time)
Contact number: Mondays to Sundays, closed on Tuesdays
Admission to the temple is free.
In the meantime, you can follow the cat temple on their Instagram or Facebook page.
Featured image adapted from Instagram and Instagram.
