Gōtokuji Temple (with kids)

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.

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...

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...

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 🐈

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...