Sad to say, our dog passed away last night. Funeral services are very expensive, but if someone knows where we can go and light some incense or a candle and say a proper farewell, that would be appreciated.
However incense and candles are more a buddhist temple thing than shinto shrine, if that is what you are after.
Also if you want to go maximum superstition-caution mode, it’s said that one should wait after 49 days after the time of death before visiting somewhere sacred. This is due to belief that the 穢れ (kegare – bad luck, dark energy, air from underworld – something like that) will not wear off until after 49 days, and it is considered rude to gods bringing 穢れ into their places. (Edit: 穢れ is a shinto concept. Temples are fine)
Can’t help with your issue but I will pour one out for your buddy and give my dogs extra long scratches today. Can’t say much about shrines or temples but anyone is welcome to come to any Catholic Church and light a candle for a prayer of someone even if you explicitly tell them it’s for another religion.
Sorry for your loss.
There are many temples offer memorial service for pets. The Japanese word you might want to search for is ペット供養 in 岡山 or 関西. Number of temples should show up on google. This is the [one](http://kagamino-muryouji.jp/) I found in Okayama.
I suppose a temple that’s “close” is a relative term, but since Okayama is kind of the gateway to Shikoku, you could consider Butsumokuji, temple #42 of the 88 temple pilgrimage, in Uwajima (Western coast of Shikoku). It’s known as the temple for lost pets. The local trains on Shikoku aren’t exactly speedy, but it’s not a bad ride on a day off (and beautiful scenery).
What stops you from praying about anything at any temple or shrine? The thought police?
I’m sorry for your loss. If you want to pray for your beloved dog, I suggest you visit 馬頭観音 (Bato-Kannon) since his realm is the animal kingdom. In Tokyo, a lot of people visit 回向院 (Ekoin) to pray and pay respect to their deceased pets in front of this deity.
I did a quick search for 馬頭院+岡山 and couldn’t find any temples, but his statues are placed along roadsides and trails and it might be nice to do a sort of pilgrimage in honor of your pet. You can do offerings of food and water as long as it’s not prohibited due to animal nuisance, but do not light any candles under any circumstances, (unless there’s a specific place for them).
Currently living in Okayama, I would recommend Kibitsu shrine (吉備津神社). Very sorry for your loss, I hope you are able to find some moments of peace while you navigate the grief.
Ask the cityhall they offer (at least in Nagoya they do) reduced fee cremation facilities for pets.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are the absolute sweetest. ❤️😔
It has a strong association with foxes* and has fox statues.
Tossing flowers into the Asahigawa looking at the castle just outside Korakuen and watching them float away is another idea. Love Okayama. Sorry about your pup.
**The history of Mogami Inari dates back over 1,200 years ago. In the 4th year of Tenpyo Shoho (752), Hoon Daishi received an imperial command to heal Emperor Koken from his illness, and prayed at Hachijoiwa rock halfway up Mt. Ryuo. Then, the highest-ranking Daibosatsu Daibosatsu riding on a white fox descended to Hachijoiwa. It is said that Daishi carved the statue and continued to pray, and the emperor was safely healed. After that, in the 4th year of Enryaku (785), even when Emperor Kanmu fell ill, he was healed by Daishi’s prayers. The emperor, who was pleased with this, ordered the construction of Ryuozan Jingu-ji Temple on the current site.*
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I’m not certain about Okayama, however have a look here:
[https://petr.jp/inu-matsuru-jinja-6107](https://petr.jp/inu-matsuru-jinja-6107)
*Edit:*
You can in truth, however pray at any given shrine, as the *Kami* are all connected. Gratefulness and sincerity are as always, key.
My condolence for your loss. I hope he/she passed peacefully.
Hm just looking at the Tourist Spot list on jinjia/temple for Okayama by Jalan it certainly looks like there are many options
https://www.jalan.net/kankou/maj_331000000/g1_20/
However incense and candles are more a buddhist temple thing than shinto shrine, if that is what you are after.
Also if you want to go maximum superstition-caution mode, it’s said that one should wait after 49 days after the time of death before visiting somewhere sacred. This is due to belief that the 穢れ (kegare – bad luck, dark energy, air from underworld – something like that) will not wear off until after 49 days, and it is considered rude to gods bringing 穢れ into their places.
(Edit: 穢れ is a shinto concept. Temples are fine)
Can’t help with your issue but I will pour one out for your buddy and give my dogs extra long scratches today. Can’t say much about shrines or temples but anyone is welcome to come to any Catholic Church and light a candle for a prayer of someone even if you explicitly tell them it’s for another religion.
Sorry for your loss.
There are many temples offer memorial service for pets. The Japanese word you might want to search for is ペット供養 in 岡山 or 関西. Number of temples should show up on google. This is the [one](http://kagamino-muryouji.jp/) I found in Okayama.
I suppose a temple that’s “close” is a relative term, but since Okayama is kind of the gateway to Shikoku, you could consider Butsumokuji, temple #42 of the 88 temple pilgrimage, in Uwajima (Western coast of Shikoku). It’s known as the temple for lost pets. The local trains on Shikoku aren’t exactly speedy, but it’s not a bad ride on a day off (and beautiful scenery).
What stops you from praying about anything at any temple or shrine?
The thought police?
I’m sorry for your loss. If you want to pray for your beloved dog, I suggest you visit 馬頭観音 (Bato-Kannon) since his realm is the animal kingdom. In Tokyo, a lot of people visit 回向院 (Ekoin) to pray and pay respect to their deceased pets in front of this deity.
I did a quick search for 馬頭院+岡山 and couldn’t find any temples, but his statues are placed along roadsides and trails and it might be nice to do a sort of pilgrimage in honor of your pet. You can do offerings of food and water as long as it’s not prohibited due to animal nuisance, but do not light any candles under any circumstances, (unless there’s a specific place for them).
Currently living in Okayama, I would recommend Kibitsu shrine (吉備津神社). Very sorry for your loss, I hope you are able to find some moments of peace while you navigate the grief.
Ask the cityhall they offer (at least in Nagoya they do) reduced fee cremation facilities for pets.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Dogs are the absolute sweetest. ❤️😔
[Saijo Inari-san Myoukyoji](https://inari.ne.jp/) (高松最上稲荷 妙教寺)
It has a strong association with foxes* and has fox statues.
Tossing flowers into the Asahigawa looking at the castle just outside Korakuen and watching them float away is another idea. Love Okayama. Sorry about your pup.
**The history of Mogami Inari dates back over 1,200 years ago. In the 4th year of Tenpyo Shoho (752), Hoon Daishi received an imperial command to heal Emperor Koken from his illness, and prayed at Hachijoiwa rock halfway up Mt. Ryuo. Then, the highest-ranking Daibosatsu Daibosatsu riding on a white fox descended to Hachijoiwa. It is said that Daishi carved the statue and continued to pray, and the emperor was safely healed. After that, in the 4th year of Enryaku (785), even when Emperor Kanmu fell ill, he was healed by Daishi’s prayers. The emperor, who was pleased with this, ordered the construction of Ryuozan Jingu-ji Temple on the current site.*