What makes it 84% Couple-Friendly: Couples can stroll cherry-blossom lanes, hunt cat carvings, and hang shared ema wishes; limited shelter and vending-only snacks make the outing slightly less comfortable on rainy days.
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Short walk covers grounds, photo spots, and rituals
Hunt the maneki-neko statues:
Seek out hundreds of small beckoning-cat figurines around the pagoda and garden.
Tip: Start at the three-storied pagoda to spot the densest cluster of cats
Photo at the giant cat:
Pose with the large maneki-neko by the Shofuku-den hall.
Tip: Arrive early to avoid crowds and get a clear background
Write relationship wishes:
Buy an ema board and write wishes for your partnership.
Tip: Use the provided markers and hang your ema together on the rack
Stroll under seasonal blooms:
Walk the garden paths lined with cherry blossoms in spring or maple trees in autumn.
Tip: Check bloom forecasts for peak viewing and timing of your visit
Try a dorayaki treat:
Grab freshly made dorayaki pancakes from the shop outside the gate.
Tip: Order two different fillings to share and compare flavors

Kay F
Great Temple full of those cats. You can buy one and put on shelf and make your wish. Nice little wonder through the streets after visiting. I bought a small to bring home. Get there early as it does get busy.
Damien Smith
Get a train to the local Gotokuji Train Station and walk 10-1 minutes and you will arrive at your destination. The temple is a collection of smaller temples, pagoda and cemeteries around a tree covered area in the middle of suburbia. There is the very famous cat shrine, this does generate a high level of tourism to the shrine. Compared to the online videos making it look like a large temple, it is...
福隆
Our group of three made a special stop at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo’s Setagaya Ward during our trip, known as the birthplace of the lucky beckoning cat (maneki-neko). The atmosphere here is serene and sacred, offering a beautiful glimpse into traditional Japanese culture and spiritual tranquility. As soon as we entered the temple grounds, we were greeted by elegant wooden architecture and well-mai...
Jessica Cross
As a cat lover, this temple was one of my favorite places to visit in the Tokyo area. Settled in a quiet suburb away from the bustling city, lies this lovely feline covered temple with such a beautiful backstory. Make sure to get there early enough to purchase your cat since they do sell out. And check out the local shops in the area for treats and trinkets 🐈
Mika M
As a tourist from Canada, I had to visit Gotokuji Temple after hearing about its connection to the maneki-neko (beckoning cat). It’s a bit off the beaten path in a quiet Tokyo neighborhood, but totally worth it. The temple itself is beautiful and peaceful, with traditional wooden buildings, a pagoda, and well-kept gardens. The highlight, of course, is the sea of lucky cat figurines left by visito...
Cherry blossoms peak in late March–early April along the entrance path. Maples turn red in November. Peonies bloom in May near the inner temple. Winter offers quiet grounds with fewer visitors.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Ema board wishes | JPY 500 |
| Maneki-neko figurines (pair) | JPY 600 |
| Dorayaki pancakes (2) | JPY 400 |
| Incense offering | JPY 200 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,700 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 2-chōme-24-7 Gōtokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021, Japan
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