Hōdō-ji Temple🌸🍃

If you love cats, don’t miss Hōdō-ji Temple in Setagaya, Tokyo, known as the birthplace of the Beckoning Cat (Maneki-neko). 🐱 (A cat raising its right hand is a "beckoning" cat, while one raising its left hand is a "fortune" cat.) Hōdō-ji was established in 1480 and was originally named "Kōtoku-in." 🌸🍃 Later, as Setagaya became the territory of the Ii family, the temple was designated as the family temple of the Hikone Domain in 1633. In 1659, it was renamed "Hōdō-ji" after the posthumous name of Ii Naotaka. 🌿 🎢🌟 The story of the Beckoning Cat and Hōdō-ji dates back to the tale of Ii Naotaka and the temple. It is said that a cat once guided Naotaka to the temple during a thunderstorm, saving him from the storm. 🌸🍃 In gratitude, the lord rebuilt the temple, and the cat became the "Beckoning Cat," a symbol of good fortune. 🌟 To avoid the crowds, we set off early from Ginza, took the Hanzōmon Line to Sancha-machi, transferred to the Tokyu Setagaya Line, and got off at Miyanozaka. 🎢🌟 It’s just a five-minute walk from the station to Hōdō-ji. We even spotted a Maneki-neko-themed tram at the station! 🚊 The surroundings of the temple are incredibly peaceful, and you can see Beckoning Cats everywhere in the local shops. 🌺 #Tokyo 🌿🌟