Japanese Dogs and Ise Jingū: A Journey of Faith Carried by Canines

When Japanese people refer to "お伊勢参り:O-Ise Mairi"—a pilgrimage to Ise Jingū—they’re talking about a journey with profound spiritual meaning. But during the Edo period (1603–1868), this sacred journey wasn't always undertaken by humans. Surprisingly, dogs sometimes made the pilgrimage on behalf of their owners. This article explores the fascinating story of Japan’s native dogs and their connection to Ise Jingū.

What Is Ise Jingū and the O-Ise Mairi Pilgrimage?

Let’s begin with a brief introduction to Ise Jingū. Ise Jingū is one of the most revered Shintō shrines in Japan, often regarded as the spiritual and cultural center of the religion. It is dedicated to Amaterasu Ōmikami, the sun goddess and mythological ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. Visiting Ise Jingū was traditionally considered a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual duty—hence the saying: “Once in your life, you must visit Ise.”

During the Edo period, a form of mass pilgrimage called Okage Mairi became very popular. Every few decades, millions of people from all over Japan would journey to Ise. But not everyone could participate. Many were elderly, sick, or too poor to make the trip. That’s where the concept of the “Okage Inu”—literally, a “gratitude dog”—came into being.

What Is an Okage Inu?

When an owner couldn’t travel to Ise Jingū, they might send their dog instead. These dogs, called Okage Inu, embarked on the long journey carrying small bags tied around their necks. The bags held money for food and lodging, as well as letters with the owner’s prayers and wishes written inside.

You might wonder, “Could a dog really make such a journey alone?” Surprisingly, many did. The reason? These dogs were supported by a compassionate network of travelers, innkeepers, and villagers along the way. People would feed the dogs, shelter them from rain, or guide them across dangerous paths. Helping an Okage Inu was believed to be an act of virtue that would bring spiritual merit.

The Story of “O-San” in Okagemairi Mewaka Shin'iki

Among the many Okage Inu, one of the most famous was a dog named O-San from Tokushima (in present-day Awa City on Shikoku Island). Her journey is recorded in an Edo-period book titled Okagemairi Meiwa Shin'iki (御蔭参明和神異記), which documented miraculous stories related to the Ise pilgrimage.

O-San was entrusted with her owner's prayers, coins, and a letter, then sent off on her journey—alone. The distance from Tokushima to Ise Jingū is about 350 kilometers (around 220 miles), and the route included rivers and even a sea crossing. Her trip was far from easy. But thanks to the kindness of strangers, she is said to have reached the shrine safely, received a ofuda (a sacred talisman proving a completed visit), and then returned all the way back to Tokushima.

This wasn’t just an adventurous tale about a clever dog—it was a story of collective faith, mutual aid, and the deep bond between humans and dogs.

Trust Between Humans and Dogs

The journey of the Okage Inu was possible only through the blend of a dog’s loyalty, the owner’s devotion, and the goodwill of countless people along the route. While it might sound fantastical that dogs could complete such a journey alone, these tales reflect the strong culture of mutual support (tasukeai no seishin) that was embedded in Japanese society at the time.

People who encountered an Okage Inu treated it with respect, as if it were a sacred messenger. Helping such a dog was not only seen as a good deed—it was a spiritual opportunity.

Ise Jingū and Japanese Dogs: Symbols of Faith

Dogs often hold a special place in Japanese religious and cultural life. For example, the Komainu (lion-dog statues) found at the entrances of shrines serve as guardians of sacred spaces. The loyalty and family devotion shown by dogs are qualities deeply admired in Japanese culture.

The story of the Okage Inu is one of many examples of how dogs are more than just pets—they are respected companions and even spiritual intermediaries.

Conclusion

The tale of the Okage Inu isn’t just a quirky historical anecdote. It’s a story about faith, community, and the trust between humans and animals. It shows how a Japanese dog could carry the prayers of its owner and complete a sacred journey—not just through physical effort, but through the strength of human kindness along the way.

Even today, Ise Jingū remains a cherished destination for spiritual reflection. And the tale of the dogs that once walked this path on behalf of others offers us a timeless message: about loyalty, compassion, and the unique role dogs have played in human belief systems.