Is There Still a Kitty Chan Statue, Charms, and Fortune Slips at Kyoto’s Kichijoji Tenmangu Shrine?
Let me tell you about my little adventure to Kyoto’s Kichijoji Tenmangu Shrine—it was one of those days where everything felt like a delightful
surprise. I had heard whispers about a Hello Kitty statue at a shrine, and being the Hello Kitty enthusiast I am (yes, I own a pair of Hello Kitty socks, don’t judge), I knew I had to check it out. So, armed with my camera and an overstuffed backpack full of snacks (because who knows when hunger will strike?), I set off.
The Quest for Kitty Chan
When I arrived at the shrine, I was embarrassingly early. Like, “the-staff-is-still-setting-up” early. I awkwardly wandered around, pretending to admire the architecture while secretly hoping no one would notice I was just killing time. But then, there she was—Kitty Chan! A cute little Hello Kitty statue dressed as a miko (shrine maiden), complete with a tiny red hakama skirt. I may or may not have squealed a little. Okay, I definitely squealed.
What made it even better was the reaction of the shrine staff. One of the priests noticed my excitement and gave me a warm smile, saying, “She’s very popular here.” I felt like I’d been let in on a secret—a Hello Kitty shrine maiden! Who would’ve thought?
Charms and Fortune Slips
Of course, I couldn’t leave without getting a charm. The selection was adorable—there were Hello Kitty-themed omamori (charms) for everything from good luck to academic success. I ended up buying one for safe travels because, well, I’m always on the move. And then there were the fortune slips, or omikuji. I pulled one, and it was… let’s just say “moderately lucky.” Not the best, but not the worst either. I tied it to the designated spot, hoping the shrine gods would cut me some slack.
A Snack Detour
After my shrine visit, I may have gone a little overboard at the nearby snack stands. I mean, how could I resist matcha-flavored everything? I ended up with a bag full of treats, including some Hello Kitty-shaped cookies that were almost too cute to eat. Almost.
Reflections and Quirks
What I loved most about this experience was how it blended tradition with a touch of modern whimsy. A shrine dedicated to academics and learning, with a Hello Kitty twist? It’s so uniquely Japanese. And while I may have arrived too early and eaten too many snacks, it’s those little imperfections that make the memory so special.
So, if you’re ever in Kyoto, don’t miss Kichijoji Tenmangu Shrine. Whether you’re a Hello Kitty fan or just curious, it’s a charming spot that’s sure to bring a smile to your face. And hey, if you’ve been there, I’d love to hear about your experience! Did you get a lucky fortune? Any favorite snacks from the area? Share your stories in the comments—I’m all ears (and maybe still munching on those cookies).
