Why is Gotokuji Temple famous for maneki-neko cats?

The temple is considered the birthplace of the maneki-neko legend. According to tradition, a cat beckoned feudal lord Ii Naotaka into the temple during a storm, saving him from lightning, which led to the creation of the beckoning cat symbol.

Is Gotokuji Temple crowded with tourists?

No. The temple is located in a residential area of Setagaya and attracts fewer visitors than major Tokyo tourist sites, offering a quieter experience.

Are there other attractions near Gotokuji Temple?

The temple is in a residential neighborhood with local shops and cafes. It offers a glimpse of everyday Tokyo life rather than concentrated tourist attractions.

Gotokuji Temple, Setagaya, Tokyo - Trip To Japan

Tokyo

Gotokuji Temple

Q: Can I buy maneki-neko figurines at the temple?

Yes. The temple shop sells maneki-neko figurines and charms in various sizes, from small amulets to larger decorative pieces.

4.6 (10957)Buddhist TempleTourist AttractionPlace Of WorshipAssociation Or OrganizationPoint Of InterestEstablishment

Last updated May 16, 2026

Gotokuji Temple is a Buddhist temple in Tokyo's Setagaya ward, celebrated as the legendary birthplace of the maneki-neko or beckoning cat figurine. Founded in 1480 during the Muromachi period, the temple belongs to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. The temple's connection to the lucky cat stems from an Edo-period legend involving a feudal lord, Ii Naotaka, who was supposedly beckoned into the temple by a cat during a storm, narrowly avoiding a lightning strike. Grateful for this intervention, Ii Naotaka became a major patron and designated Gotokuji as the family temple of the powerful Ii clan, establishing the site's historical and cultural importance beyond its feline associations.

The temple complex contains traditional Zen structures including the main hall, a three-story pagoda, and gardens typical of Buddhist temple design. The defining feature is the extraordinary collection of thousands of maneki-neko figurines placed throughout the grounds, concentrated in a designated offering area. These white cat statues, depicting felines with raised left paws to beckon good fortune, are donated by visitors who have experienced success or prosperity and wish to express gratitude. The accumulation of these offerings over time has transformed the temple into a visually striking destination.

Visitors can walk freely through the temple grounds to view and photograph the extensive maneki-neko displays. The temple shop sells cat figurines and charms in various sizes, from small amulets to decorative pieces suitable as souvenirs or personal good luck tokens. The temple provides a quiet retreat from Tokyo's crowded tourist sites, offering a contemplative environment where traditional Zen aesthetics meet folk culture symbolism. The residential setting in Setagaya gives visitors a sense of local Tokyo life.

Gotokuji Temple is reachable via the Tokyu Setagaya Line to Miyanosaka Station, approximately 5 minutes walking, or the Odakyu Line to Gotokuji Station, about 10 minutes on foot. Both routes require one transfer from major Tokyo train lines. Admission is free. The temple's location in a residential neighborhood provides access to local dining and shopping options nearby.

Hours

Sunday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Monday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 3-3426-1437

Website

gotokuji.jp

Overview

Address

2-chōme-24-7 Gōtokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021, Japan

Frequently Asked Questions

Traveler reviews

One of the highlights of our trip. The neighborhood itself is already worth a visit. You'll escape the bustling city of Tokyo into its smaller suburbs. There's thousands of little white cats, a lovely garden and beautiful shrine buildings. You can purchase one cat each to leave there or take home. If you have time take a walk back to the station and down the Green Way back into the city. It's wonderful.

Maximilian Wessel

Jul 31, 2026

We visited Gotokuji Temple and it was awesome. I really loved learning about the history of this place and why it was built — it makes the visit even more meaningful. It took a couple of trains to get there, but the trip was fast and easy. Once we arrived, we walked around the grounds and enjoyed a peaceful stroll. The atmosphere is calm and relaxing, making it a great escape from the busy city. If you’re a cat lover, this is such a cool place to visit. Seeing all the lucky cat statues makes it unique and memorable. Definitely worth the visit while in Tokyo.

Cat lovers, it was important for me to visit this temple and to tribute my last cat. It is not in tokyo center but in the suburb, maybe 40 minutes, 1hour with public transport. It is not very big but very crowed. If you stay only few days in tokyo, i think it is not the " must" to visit because you will lose more time for the transportation than for the visit...1 hour maximum. You can buy " a cat" in the shop but when i was there all were " sold out ". Interesting but don t expect a " spiritual, holy" shrine. It is for instagram.

A cute little temple with hundreds of small cat statues as well as immaculate gardens and a very peaceful atmosphere. While in Japan I visited a number of temples and shrines and most if not all have been in some need of repair. This one however you can tell the operators truly takes the time to try and make it look manicure and loved. It’s nice and close to the station only 850 m and that station is only five stops from Shinjuku. All in all it’s worth the short detour to visit. No tickets or entry fee are required however purchasing a souvenir cat or T-shirt is appreciated

We visited the lucky cat temple, and we were there for about half an hour, there was a area to light an incense stick with a lighter provided and the garden areas are lovely and peaceful to sit for a while. There is a shop where you can purchase your own lucky cat and leave with all the others (as shown in the photographs below or to take home. (Maneki Neko is a well-known symbol in Japanese culture. It is a white cat with red details and one of its paws raised). This is a free temple unless you are buying from the shop.