Nagasaki’s “Crooked-Tail Cat Shrine” is a sacred place for cat lovers 😺 A hidden cat spot!

Have you ever heard of a “crooked-tail cat” (尾曲がり猫)? As someone born in Nagasaki, I often saw cats with bent tails growing up, so I never thought much of it. But through national news, I learned that crooked-tail cats are considered rare! (Apparently, 80% of the cats in Nagasaki City are crooked-tail cats!)

In Nagasaki City, where these unique cats are frequently seen, there is a place called the “Crooked-Tail Cat Shrine.” This time, I’d like to introduce you to this must-see spot for cat lovers—the Crooked-Tail Cat Shrine!

Access to the "Curly-Tailed Cat Shrine"

The "Curly-Tailed Cat Shrine" is located right near one of Nagasaki’s popular tourist attractions, the Megane Bridge, making it easily accessible.

From JR Nagasaki Station, take the tram bound for Hotarujaya for about 4 minutes. Get off at the “Megane-bashi” stop, then it's a 2-minute walk.

What Is the "Curly-Tailed Cat Shrine"?

The "Curly-Tailed Cat Shrine" is located in Gin’ya-machi, Nagasaki City. It's a shrine where people pray for their cats' health and long life, as well as for their own happiness. Known as a sacred spot for cat lovers across Japan, this shrine was established in the spring of 2019 and has since garnered national attention as a new tourist attraction.

In addition to typical charms and ema (wooden votive plaques) related to cats found at shrines, they also offer cat-themed souvenirs like pouches, figurines, and coffee—perfect for gifts.

What Is a Curly-Tailed Cat?

Let’s go back to Japan’s isolation period. It’s said that curly-tailed cats first arrived in Nagasaki when they were brought aboard Dutch East India Company ships as a means of rat control during trading at Dejima. (There are various theories.)
Since ancient times, curly-tailed cats have been native to the Jakarta region of Indonesia, making them likely descendants of those cats.

By the way, curly-tailed cats are also known as “hook-tail cats” and are believed to be lucky, said to "hook" happiness with their tails. As the name implies, there are not only cats with bent tails but also those with bobtails, short tails, and more.

Things You Can Do at the Curly-Tailed Cat Shrine!

In the main shrine hall filled with cat-themed goods, you can offer prayers and receive a special red ink stamp (goshuin). There are also many original goods available for purchase.

Monetary offerings are reportedly used to support cat welfare.

🐱 Cat Lovers, Don’t Miss the Curly-Tailed Cat Shrine!

What do you think? If you’re a cat lover, this is a sacred site you’ll definitely want to visit at least once. If you have a pet cat, come to pray for its longevity; if you don’t, take a trip to Nagasaki to see the charming curly-tailed cats for yourself♪