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Trip to Tokyo · Gotokuji Temple

Hidden in Setagaya Ward, Gotokuji Temple is famous for its thousands of "Maneki-neko" (beckoning cats). Legend has it that during the Edo period, the temple prospered because a cat beckoned guests, making it a popular spot for praying for wealth and good fortune. #TravelExpert Address: 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Open year-round, free admission) How to get there: 1. 10-minute walk from Odakyu Odawara Line "Gotokuji Station" (recommended to exit from the "Maneki-neko Exit" and follow the signs) 2. 5-minute walk from Tokyu Setagaya Line "Miyanosaka Station" 📜 History and Legend Gotokuji Temple was built in 1480 and originally belonged to the Soto Zen sect. It is famous for the "Maneki-neko legend." It is said that during the Edo period, the feudal lord Ii Naotaka was passing by when a temple cat beckoned him inside to shelter from the rain. After hearing the Buddhist teachings, he was deeply moved and designated the temple as the Ii family’s mortuary temple, beginning to worship the Maneki-neko, symbolizing "good luck, fortune, and prosperous business." ~ Weekday mornings are the most peaceful for visiting; on weekends, it’s best to arrive before 10:00 AM. ~ Each person is limited to purchasing one Gotokuji lucky cat. ~ Can be combined with trendy spots like "Shimokitazawa" and "Sangenjaya" for a day trip. #TravelGuide #TokyoTrip #TokyoFreeTravel #GotokujiTemple #JapanAttractions
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Posted: May 27, 2025
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Gōtokuji Temple

4.5/581 reviews | Historic buildings
Tokyo
No. 13 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tokyo
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Gōtokuji Temple

Over 1,000 lucky cats are waiting for you

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🇯🇵Tokyo🫶🏻A must-visit place for cat lovers🐱❤️Gotokuji Temple📸

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If you are a cat lover, Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo’s Setagaya district is definitely a must! This temple is famous for its large number of lucky cats, and it is truly spectacular! Rows of small lucky cats, looking down really melt heart ~ I have heard people say that the lucky cat of Hao De Temple is very spiritual, but they went to the scene to know exaggerated so much, and is not an ordinary lucky cat, is countless "cats" for you to check in and take pictures, completely cat owner's paradise! The best part is that you can also purchase the lucky cat on site, as a travel souvenir and souvenir value, really a "must buy"! Highlights of the Hau Tak Temple itinerary📸 Haodeji Temple is not very big, but quietly located in the corner of the city, it has a sense of peace that is characteristic of a Japanese temple. The most famous "Lucky Cat Gathering Place" is right next to the main hall. Thousands of lucky cats are densely packed, many of which are left behind after praying for blessings. If you want to feel the Japanese tranquility and art and are looking for a special travel memory, Gotokuji Temple is great! In addition, the lucky cat sold in the temple comes in a variety of sizes, the price is affordable, even small-budget free travel is no pressure, bought the lucky cat can be taken home and placed in the financial area (rumored to be really busy 🤣) Attraction Details Haode Temple 📍Address: 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021 Japan ⏰ Opening hours: year-round 06:00-17:00 (easy to arrange on weekdays/weekends) 🚇 Access: Take the Odakyu Line to Hautokuji Station and walk for about 5 minutes after exiting the station It is recommended to have fewer people in the morning, the environment is super quiet, slowly enjoy the lucky cat array in the temple! 🔥Playing Tips 1. "Must Buy"! Lucky cats can be bought on site, the smallest starting from a few hundred yen, super cute, suitable for travel souvenirs. 2. Show respect when communicating with monastery personnel. No fear of verbal barriers, everyone is friendly. 3. Try to keep quiet while taking photos and checking in and do not disturb other praying crowds. 4. There are several local small shops and snack bars nearby, where you can stop by for breakfast or afternoon tea in the morning. 5. The lucky cat background wall is definitely a photo spot for high-ranking people. Food recommendations If you have time on your schedule, you can look for snacks at the nearby Gotokuji shopping street. Recommended “Meiqiu Sushi” and “Cafe Pekoe” have local characteristics, the sushi is fresh and affordable, while the cafe sells handmade desserts. Transportation guide From the city of Tokyo, it can usually be reached by taking the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station in 15-20 minutes, making it a very convenient temple attraction for free travel. A walking experience of the surrounding residential areas is suggested to feel deeper into the everyday. Summarize the insights Whether you are a lucky charmer or a cat crazy, you must visit Hauduji Temple once! After watching the Thousand Cats, I took the lucky cat home. I was in a good mood and had a sense of ceremony #TokyoLuckyCat #Hautokuji Temple #JapaneseTemple #TokyoTravel #PhotoSpot #SeptemberGood Places2025

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I visited Gotokuji Temple, famous as the birthplace of the Maneki-neko cat, about a 10-minute walk from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line. Countless Maneki-neko cats are enshrined within the temple grounds, creating a truly breathtaking sight! It's truly a great photo spot. The temple is also home to the magnificent grave of Ii Naosuke, a Tairo (chief advisor) of the late Edo period, allowing you to feel the footsteps of a notable figure in Japanese history. The lush green grounds have a quiet, relaxing atmosphere. It was a special place where you could experience the cuteness of the Maneki-neko cats and the weight of history at the same time. Access 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo. Approximately 10 minutes' walk from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line. Atmosphere/Amenities - Historical building - Numerous Maneki-neko offering shelves - Quiet, lush grounds Recommendations - Must-see photo spot for the Maneki-neko offerings - Tomb of Ii Naosuke, a late Edo period lord - A temple that exudes both history and charm Visiting Hours 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM / 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM Rating: Very Good #JapanTravelGuide #DomesticTravel #TokyoSightseeing #TokyoTrip #GotokujiTemple #Maneki-neko

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#RegisterAugustHotelTester2025 Tokyo|Gotoku-ji Temple ⛩️Maneki Neko🎏 Tokyo's Setagaya Gotoku-ji Temple: The Legendary Birthplace of the "Maneki Neko" Yesterday, I made a special trip to Gotoku-ji Temple in Tokyo. It's known as the "Maneki Neko Temple." The entire temple grounds are filled with white maneki cats of various sizes! ⛩️🎐Gotoku-ji Temple, built in 1480, was originally a Soto Zen temple and is famous for the "Maneki Neko Legend." Legend has it that during the Edo period, the feudal lord Ii Naotaka was passing by when a temple cat beckoned him into the temple to take shelter from the rain. Deeply moved by Buddhist teachings, he designated the temple as the Ii family's family temple and began enshrining the Maneki Neko (beckoning cat), symbolizing good fortune and prosperity. 📫Address: 2-24-7 Gotoku-ji Temple, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo ⏰Opening Hours Temple Area: Open all day Maneki-neko Memorial Hall: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Shop: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM 🚃How to Get There: 1. A 10-minute walk from Gotoku-ji Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line (recommended: exit the Maneki-neko Exit and follow the signs). 2. A 5-minute walk from Miyanosaka Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line Free parking is available within the temple grounds, so driving is a breeze! 🎐Tips: ✅ Free admission ✅ You can purchase a Maneki-neko to take home and pray for your wishes to come true. If you're in Tokyo, I highly recommend visiting Gotoku-ji Temple. You might even find your lucky charm! ~Weekday mornings and holidays are recommended, so arrive before 10:00 AM. #Gotoku-ji

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