Most 4 Google asked questions about the Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. The temple is also known as Maneki-Neko Temple and Lucky Cat Temple.
Table of Contents
The Story of the Gotokuji Temple:
In the heart of Setagaya, a bustling district in Tokyo, lies the sacred Gotokuji Temple(Maneki-Neko Temple) – an iconic place known to many as the Cat Temple. The reason behind this moniker traces back to a rich tapestry of folklore and tradition.
The legend of the Gotokuji Temple is intertwined with the figure of the Maneki-Neko or the “beckoning cat.” This iconic figure is depicted as a lucky cat that raises one paw in a beckoning gesture. With its beckoning motion, the cat is believed to bring good fortune and luck and can be found in various forms throughout Japan.
The story begins during the Edo period (17th century) when the temple was purportedly disrepair. Despite facing hardships, the resident monk shared his sparse food with his pet cat, Tama. Then, one stormy day, a samurai lord, Ii Naotaka, took shelter under a tree near the temple. Naotaka noticed Tama, the monk’s cat, beckoning him from the temple gates. Intrigued, he left the tree to approach the cat, and as he did so, a bolt of lightning struck the tree where he had just been standing under.
In gratitude for saving his life, Naotaka became the temple’s patron, helping to restore it to prosperity. When Tama passed away, he was honored with a statue, leading to the creation of the now-ubiquitous Maneki-Neko figures. Thus, Gotokuji Temple became synonymous with these lucky charms.
Where is the Cat Temple Located?
The Gotokuji, or Cat Temple, is in the Setagaya Ward of Tokyo, Japan. The address is 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021, Japan. The temple is nestled in a quiet residential area, providing a peaceful retreat from the bustling city center.
In conclusion, the Gotokuji Temple offers an enchanting experience for all its visitors. Whether you’re an avid cat lover, a history enthusiast, or a curious traveler, the temple’s story of the beckoning cat and its connection to luck and prosperity will surely charm you
Is Gotokuji Temple Free?
Gotokuji is not just rich in history, but it is also very accessible. The temple grounds are free to enter.
Visitors can walk among hundreds of white ceramic Maneki-Neko figures, each left by someone praying for good luck. You can buy your own Maneki-Neko figure at the temple’s shop to take home as a souvenir or to leave at the temple as an offering. Remember that although entry to the temple is free, respectful behavior is expected in all areas of this spiritual site.
How Do You Get to the Gotokuji Temple?
Getting to the Gotokuji Temple is straightforward. From central Tokyo, the easiest way is to take the Odakyu line from Shinjuku Station to Gotokuji Station. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes. Once you arrive at Gotokuji Station, it’s a 15-minute walk to the temple.
Alternatively, you can take the Setagaya Line to Miyanosaka Station, from which it’s just a five-minute walk to the temple. Tokyo’s efficient public transport makes Gotokuji Temple an easy day trip for anyone in Tokyo.
And remember, while your visit to the temple is free, a small Maneki-neko from the temple shop could be the perfect keepsake to bring a little bit of that good fortune back home with you.
Thanks for reading about Menaki-Neki Temple, and safe travels!
Read more about Gotokuji Temple