Tokyo｜Gōtoku-ji Temple, surrounded by beckoning cats, is a temple that drives the surrounding beckoning cat economy.

Thanks to its viral social media presence, Gotoku-ji Temple quickly became a popular photo spot. How did this temple, established in 1480, become associated with the Maneki Neko (Lucky Cat)? The story begins with Ii Naotaka, a senior minister of the Edo shogunate. As he was passing by, a maneki Neko (cat) extended its hand, seemingly beckoning him into the temple. Unexpectedly, upon entering, he was able to escape a severe thunderstorm. He struck up a friendly conversation with the monks, and Gotoku-ji Temple became the family temple of the Ii family. Temple officials, believing the maneki Nekoden (cat hall) brought good luck, built the hall to enshrine the maneki Neko.

The most spectacular feature of Gotoku-ji Temple is the Maneki Nekoden, which is filled with thousands of maneki Neko. Worshipers can buy a maneki Neko and, once their wishes are fulfilled, return it to the temple for worship. The temple's ema (drawn horses) and fortune-telling verses also feature maneki Neko.

Because of Gotoku-ji Temple's popularity, a maneki Neko (Lucky Cat) economy has blossomed in the surrounding area, with shops selling hand-painted artwork, maneki Neko egg cakes, and maneki Neko T-shirts. Even local park signs have incorporated maneki Neko.

📍Address: 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021, Japan
🚗A 6-minute walk from Miyanosaka Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line; a 13-minute walk from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line.
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Post by 旅行中的野馬 | Sep 21, 2025