Temple · Setagaya
Gotokuji Temple 豪徳寺
The quiet Setagaya Zen temple that claims to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, thousands of white beckoning cats stacked row upon row beside a three-storey pagoda.
About
In the 17th century, legend says, a cat beckoned the passing lord Ii Naotaka into this then-humble temple just before a storm struck, and the grateful Ii clan made it their family temple. Today Gotokuji's Shofuku-den hall honours that cat, and worshippers leave white maneki-neko figurines, all with the right paw raised and no coin, when their wishes come true. The result is a startling, delightful display of thousands of cats on shelves and steps. Away from that corner, the temple is a serene Soto Zen compound with a slender three-storey pagoda (look for the carved cats among the zodiac animals), Ii clan graves including Ii Naosuke, and well-kept pines. It's a residential neighbourhood visit, pair it with a ride on the tiny Setagaya Line tram.
Highlights
- Thousands of white maneki-neko lined up beside Shofuku-den
- Three-storey pagoda with a hidden carved cat among its zodiac reliefs
- Ii clan cemetery, including the grave of Ii Naosuke
- Peaceful pine-shaded Zen grounds far from tourist crowds
- Buy your own lucky cat in sizes from tiny to large at the temple office
Tips
- Cat figurines are sold at the office until about 16:30, come earlier if you want one.
- Ride the retro two-car Setagaya Line tram to Miyanosaka Station; it's a 5 min walk.
- Keep voices down and don't move the cats for photos, it's an active temple in a residential area.
Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09
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