Shōnen-ji Temple (Neko-dera, Cat Temple) — Local services in Kyoto

in the Ichijōji district of Kyoto, Shōnenji Temple—affectionately known as the “Neko-dera” or “Cat Temple”—is one of those rare gems that manages to feel both sacred and endearingly down-to-earth. While it may not appear in every tourist guidebook alongside Kyoto’s more famous temples like Kinkaku-ji or Fushimi Inari Taisha, Shōnenji offers something arguably more intimate and memorable: a gentle convergence of Buddhist calm and feline companionship.

From the moment you step onto the modest temple grounds, the atmosphere shifts. The bustle of city life recedes, replaced by a slower rhythm, one where the soft rustling of trees, the distant ring of a bell, and the occasional contented purr form a kind of natural liturgy. The temple is not large—there’s no sweeping vista or towering gate—but its understated charm is exactly what makes it so beguiling.

What distinguishes Shōnenji from other temples is not simply the presence of cats (although they are undeniably the stars of the show), but the way the entire space seems to embrace and honour them. Sculptures of cats, some playful, some contemplative, are tucked amongst the greenery and perched along stone steps. Delicate ema (votive tablets) with hand-drawn images of cats hang beside more traditional wishes for good health, safe journeys, and exam success. You quickly realise the cats are not a gimmick—they are part of the spiritual landscape here.

The temple’s resident cats are clearly well-loved. They roam freely, but with a calmness that reflects the environment. Some nap in the sun beside the main hall, others watch visitors curiously from beneath stone lanterns. A few, if they feel so inclined, may even approach you, not with the entitled swagger of some tourist-habituated animals, but with the quiet assurance of creatures who know they are home. Each one seems to carry a little aura of wisdom, as if they’ve been absorbing centuries of sutras and sermons.

Speaking with one of the temple’s monks, I was struck by the warmth and humility with which he spoke of the cats—not as mascots, but as fellow beings deserving of care and compassion. In Japanese Buddhist tradition, animals are seen as part of the cycle of rebirth and are thus treated with a respect that goes far beyond sentimentality. At Shōnenji, this philosophy is not merely preached but practised. It’s visible in the way the temple is run: calm, clean, and profoundly welcoming.

While there are no grand ceremonies or showy features here, what you do find is something perhaps even rarer: authenticity. It’s a temple that feels alive—not just because of the cats, but because of the people who maintain it with quiet devotion. Visitors are encouraged to move mindfully through the space, and although photography is allowed in most areas, discretion is appreciated. This is, after all, a functioning temple, not a tourist attraction in the conventional sense.

Practicalities: Shōnenji is best reached via the Eizan Railway or by a short bus ride from central Kyoto. There is no admission fee, but a small donation is appreciated, especially if you spend time in the grounds or with the cats. I would recommend visiting on a weekday morning, when it’s most tranquil.

In a city famed for its golden pavilions and vermillion torii gates, it’s easy to overlook places like Shōnenji. But those who venture a little further from the well-worn paths will find in this humble temple a deep sense of peace, kindness, and a gentle reminder that sometimes the sacred...

This shouldn’t be called a Cat Temple; sure it’s just got a lot of cat themes but there were no cats present whatsoever when we went on a weekend afternoon. Parking is plentiful but everything is super overpriced. Before entering, the staff instructs you to read the front which confirms that yes, this is NOT cat cafe. But it’s insane that I’m even in a temple there are no cats around. I’m not expecting to sit around sipping tea while petting cats. But I was hoping to see the cat head Abbott at least. A lady at the front that is that supposedly, it seems the cats all passed away.

The staff said that there is a new kitten that is being indoctrinated into the temple, but it is still too young at the moment. The cat history museum down the street is much better...

This is actually a burial place for your pets. Buddhist temples are the ones that handle funerals. They have different rules from Shinto ones. For the average tourist, they will think it’s filled with cats. No, it’s a resting place for your animals. There are cat filled temples in the outskirts of...