Gotokuji Temple — Attraction in Tokyo

Visiting the Lucky Cat Temple is a bit out of the way, but it’s absolutely worth the effort! This unique destination offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of the iconic lucky cat, known as Maneki-neko. The journey to get here is part of the adventure and adds to the overall experience. One of the highlights of the trip is riding the famous cat tram, which is a charming and delightful way to reach the temple. The tram ride itself is a fun experience, with its whimsical design and scenic route, making it a memorable part of the visit.

Arriving at the temple, you are greeted by an atmosphere of tranquility and tradition. The temple grounds are beautifully maintained, with an array of lucky cat statues and decorations that create a picturesque setting. It’s a wonderful place to explore and take in the cultural significance of the lucky cat.

It’s important to come early as the temple store is only open for a couple of hours each day. This store is a treasure trove of lucky cat memorabilia, offering a variety of items that make perfect souvenirs. One of the best parts of the visit is the opportunity to purchase your own cat model to take home with you. These cat models come in different sizes and designs, allowing you to choose one that suits your taste and brings a piece of this enchanting place back with you.

Overall, the Lucky Cat Temple is a hidden gem that combines cultural heritage with a touch of whimsy. The effort to visit this out-of-the-way location is richly rewarded with a unique and memorable experience. Whether you’re a fan of the lucky cat or simply looking for an interesting and enjoyable excursion, this temple is definitely worth a visit. The combination of the scenic tram ride, the charming temple grounds, and the chance to purchase a lucky cat memento makes it a truly special...

Gōtokuji is famous as the home of the Maneki-neko (aka the beckoning cat or the lucky cat). Basically, a cat beckoned a samurai (Ii Naotaka) and his entourage into Gōtokuji. After the group entered the temple the area was pounded by lightning by a passing thunderstorm. In gratitude, the Ii family became patrons of the temple and the legend of the Maneki-neko was born…or at least that’s the story.

The place is interesting and fun, but also very, very touristy. I had a nice time, but I can see how it can be off-putting for some because some tourists forget that they are at a place of worship and act instead like they are at Lucky Cat Amusement Park or something. Also, they sell out of the cats even with a limit of one cat per person, so don't be surprised if you go. One disappointment for me was that the maneki-neko has no indication that it was purchased at Gōtokuji - only the box has a label.

The temple is in the suburbs of Tokyo and a bit of a hassle to get to. I saw a lot of people cramming on to the Tokyū-Setagaya tram at the Miyanosaka Station which is close to the temple. I opted to take the Odakyū Line from Shinjuku to Gōtokuji Station and walk for 15 minutes or so. If you go the way I did, do not enter Gōtokuji into Google Maps because it will take you to an entrance that is closed to the public. You need to enter Gōtokuji Gate and then take the route that heads due south (not the one that veers east) towards Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine (which is a nice destination in and of itself and has an Edo Period sumo wrestling platform if you are interested in that...

Our group of three made a special stop at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward during our trip, known as the birthplace of the lucky beckoning cat (maneki-neko). The atmosphere here is serene and sacred, offering a beautiful glimpse into traditional Japanese culture and spiritual tranquility.

As soon as we entered the temple grounds, we were greeted by elegant wooden architecture and well-maintained garden paths. The historical three-story pagoda and temple gate added a deep sense of history and character to the surroundings. The most captivating sight was the dedicated area filled with thousands of maneki-neko figurines, all neatly lined up in various sizes with charming expressions. It’s said that placing a maneki-neko here can help your wishes come true or bring good fortune in business—making it a must-visit spot for many.

Besides paying our respects, we also purchased small maneki-neko statues as souvenirs and wrote down our wishes to dedicate them at the temple. It felt especially meaningful. The temple also offers a variety of omamori (charms) and goshuin (temple stamps), all beautifully designed and worth collecting. The visit route is easy to follow, with a calm number of visitors, allowing for a peaceful and reflective experience.

If you’re visiting Tokyo, we highly recommend spending a quiet morning at Gotokuji Temple. Not only will you experience the beauty of traditional Japanese temple architecture, but you’ll also leave with a heart full of good luck and...