[Tokyo] The birthplace of the Maneki-neko: packed with cats of all sizes!

📍Gotokuji Temple

2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo

《Access》
About a 6-minute walk from Miyanosaka Station exit

Visiting hours: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM

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Gotokuji Temple, famous for its Maneki-neko

When I visited, the Shofukuden Hall was under renovation.
I believe it has been renewed now.

Rows and rows of cats lined up.

Maneki-neko are sold at the temple office. Sizes vary from super mini to big ones about 30 cm tall.

Each has a different expression or design,
just looking at them is soothing.

If you search with your phone’s navigation, it will guide you to the back gate,
which is closed, so be careful.

Maneki-neko are widely known as lucky charms for family safety, business prosperity, and wish fulfillment.

Inside the temple grounds, there is not only Maneki-neko but also a magnificent three-story pagoda.

And guess what? There are cats here too!!

On the first tier, carvings of the zodiac animals are arranged in order on all four sides, but the part for the rat has a cat carved instead.

There are also cats carved on the second and third tiers.
As expected from the birthplace of the Maneki-neko!!
There are Maneki-neko in various other places too,
so it’s fun to look for them while strolling around.

Walking through the nature-rich temple grounds refreshes your soul.
Especially beautiful during fresh greenery and autumn foliage seasons...
Other highlights include a large incense burner with guardian lion-dogs on top and the temple bell.

#ManekiNeko
#Gotokuji
#HistoricalSite
#Setagaya
#FreeTravel
#Tokyo