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Praying with pets for the New Year

The Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu shrine in Tokyo, Japan offers a unique opportunity for pet owners – to pray with their dogs and cats for the New Year.

Shinto priest Masaki Kaji perfoms prayers at the shrine.

Shinto priest Masaki Kaji perfoms prayers at the shrine.Shizuo Kambayashi / AP

Jan. 10, 2012, 2:42 PM UTC

By Animal Tracks

The Ichigaya Kamegaoka Hachimangu shrine in Tokyo, Japan offers a unique opportunity for pet owners – to pray with their dogs and cats for the New Year.

Shinto priest Masaki Kaji perfoms prayers at the shrine. — Shinto priest Masaki Kaji perfoms prayers at the shrine.Shizuo Kambayashi / AP

Visitors offer New Year's prayers with their pets. — Visitors offer New Year's prayers with their pets.Shizuo Kambayashi / AP

Visitors pose with their pets after worship. — Visitors pose with their pets after worship.Shizuo Kambayashi / AP

Dogs gather for photographs after offering New Year's prayers with their owners on Jan. 9. — Dogs gather for photographs after offering New Year's prayers with their owners on Jan. 9.Shizuo Kambayashi / AP