Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo's Setagaya ward is widely regarded as the birthplace of the maneki-neko — the iconic beckoning cat figurine found in shops and restaurants across Japan and around the world. This serene Buddhist temple has become one of Tokyo's most charming and photogenic off-the-beaten-path destinations, drawing visitors who come to see the extraordinary collection of hundreds, sometimes thousands, of white cat figurines arranged in neat rows across the temple grounds.

The legend behind Gotokuji's famous cats dates to the Edo period. The story goes that a feudal lord named Ii Naotaka was passing by the temple during a thunderstorm when he noticed a cat sitting at the gate, raising its paw as if beckoning him inside. Following the cat, he took shelter at the temple just as lightning struck the spot where he had been standing moments before. Grateful for being saved, the lord became a generous patron of the temple, ensuring its prosperity. Today, visitors purchase small maneki-neko figurines at the temple office, make a wish, and return the cat to the temple once the wish is fulfilled — which is why the collection keeps growing.

The temple grounds are beautifully maintained, with a traditional three-story pagoda, a main hall, and peaceful gardens shaded by towering trees. The star attraction is the maneki-neko display area beside the Shotokuden hall, where cats of all sizes are arranged in dense clusters — an unforgettable sight and a paradise for photographers. Unlike the maneki-neko you see in Chinese restaurants, the Gotokuji version notably does not hold a coin, reflecting the Buddhist teaching that the cat provides the opportunity for good fortune, but you must earn the reward yourself.

Admission is free, and the grounds are open daily from 6:00 to 18:00. The temple office, where you can purchase maneki-neko figurines (starting from around 300 yen) and collect a goshuin stamp, is open from 8:00 to 15:00. Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes exploring.

Gotokuji Temple is perfect for cat lovers, solo travelers, couples, and Instagram enthusiasts looking for something unique. From Shinjuku, take the Odakyu Line to Gotokuji Station (about 15 minutes), then walk five minutes south to the temple. Alternatively, the Tokyu Setagaya Line tram stops at Miyanosaka Station right beside the temple — a charming ride in itself. Nearby Shimokitazawa, one of Tokyo's trendiest neighborhoods for vintage shopping and cafe-hopping, is just two stops away on the Odakyu Line.