Gotokuji temple: more maneki-neko than you can wave your paw at!
- japansophy
- Sep 23
- 5 min read
Tucked away in the quiet, residential Setagaya Ward, Daikeizan Gotokuji temple is a whimsical escape from Tokyo's urban jungle. While it may lack the grand scale of some of the city's more famous shrines, its unique and charming atmosphere more than makes up for it.
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Legend has it that centuries ago, a stray cat led a feudal lord to safety from a thunderstorm at this very temple, and in gratitude, the temple became forever associated with the now-iconic maneki-neko, or beckoning cat. Today, it’s a tranquil sanctuary where visitors come to pray for good fortune and, of course, to see the thousands of cat figurines that have been left by pilgrims. The temple’s serene grounds and the surreal sight of countless white porcelain cats with their paws raised make it a truly unique and must-visit destination for anyone seeking a slice of quirky Japanese culture.
The temple's slightly out-of-the-way location has kept it off the tourist trail for the most part, but its aesthetic appeal and instagram-worthiness have made it a huge social media hit in the last year or two and visitor numbers are definitely on the rise, even among young Japanese. Beckoning cats aside, Gotokuji is a beautiful temple, reminiscent of its counterparts in Kyoto, with a pagoda and a pine-lined path leading to the main hall. It is especially pretty in the autumn when the acer trees turn red and orange.
Getting there – where is Gotokuji temple?
Gotokuji temple is out to the west of Tokyo city centre and you'll need around 40 minutes to get there from Shinjuku or Shibuya, for example.
Nearest station: The closest stations are Gotokuji Station (豪徳寺駅) on the Odakyu Odawara Line (from Shinjuku) and Miyanosaka Station (宮の坂駅) on the Tokyu Setagaya Line. The temple is around 15 -20 minutes' walk south from Gotokuji Station. Miyanosaka Station is much closer, being more or less next door to the temple, but the journey is a little more complicated: take the Denentoshi Line from Shibuya to Sangen-Jaya and change there to the Setagaya Line.
By taxi: A taxi can drop you off at the northern or southern entrance to the temple, but you can expect to pay at least 5000 yen from central Tokyo.
Accessibility: The temple is wheelchair-accessible but some of the paths are cobbled. It has a multi-purpose toilet. Dedicated baby-changing facilities are not available.
Opening hours & best time to visit Gotokuji temple
Opening hours: The temple grounds are open from 6:00 am and lock up at 5:00. The office doesn't open until 8:00 am, though, and closes at 3:00 pm, so if you want to buy yourself a little maneki-neko, you'll have to visit during those hours.
Best time to visit: The temple is experiencing a boom in popularity and can get crowded during the day, so aim to get there early. Late autumn is a beautiful time to visit because the temple has a lot of acer trees that turn all shades of red.
Time to avoid: Time your visit to avoid trains going back into the city between 7:30 and 9:30, since this is a residential area and the trains will be packed with commuters at these times.
Reservations & admission
Reservations: You don't need to make reservations to visit the temple.
Ticket/admission price: There is no admission fee to walk along the street. The maneki-nekos cost from around 500 yen for the smallest to several thousand yen for the bigger versions.
Payment method: Many smaller shops in the area still prefer cash, so it's a good idea to have some Japanese yen on hand. The temple accepts credit cards for purchases.
What can you see & do in Gotokuji temple?
Gotokuji is all about the cats. While it is a place of spiritual reflection, most visitors come for the surreal sight of thousands of beckoning cat figurines and the very Instagrammable photos. Look out for:
The maneki-neko hall: This is the main highlight and is where you’ll find the thousands of maneki-neko figurines left by visitors. The sheer number of them is a sight to behold and makes for a unique, memorable photo op.
The main temple hall: Take a moment to see the temple's main hall, which is a beautiful example of traditional Japanese temple architecture and is likened by many to temples in Kyoto.
The temple grounds: You’ll find a three-storied pagoda, a small but historically significant cemetery, and a pathway lined with towering pine trees. The pagoda is unusual in that it features the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, with the rat having to share its space with a maneki-neko!
Buy yourself a lucky beckoning cat: While you might struggle to fit one of the larger maneki-neko into your luggage (let alone carry it back to your hotel on the train), one of the smaller versions makes a great souvenir. Those holding up their right paw are said to beckon good fortune, while those holding up their left paw beckon customers and good fortune in business.
Go on a cat crawl: Aside from the obvious sea of maneki-neko at the maneki-neko hall, cats feature in the architecture of the other buildings, on the ema offerings, at the entrance to temple, even at the station. See how many you can find!
Japansophy’s top tips!
Exploration another side of Tokyo: Be sure to explore the peaceful residential streets surrounding the temple to get a feel for a more local side of Tokyo. The area is beloved by locals for its retro "Showa" atmosphere and it feels very far from the city.
Take the Maneki-Neko Tram: The Tokyu Setagaya Line operates a special maneki-neko train between Sangen-Jaya and Gotokuji temple once or twice an hour. With a special livery, cute cat prints on the floor and cat-paw straps, the train is a tourist attraction in itself. The timetable changes daily. Check it here before you go.
Take your maneki-neko home: The idea is to keep your beckoning cat at home until your fortune arrives. Then you can return it to the temple to ensure that your luck holds.
Don't write on your maneki-neko: The little beckoning cats are considered sacred objects and writing on them is seen as a defacement. If you want to write out a particular wish, buy an ema, a wooden votive board, instead. The ema at Gotokuji also feature maneki-neko and are a super-cute alternative.
Facilities
Eating & drinking: There are no cafés or restaurants inside the temple grounds. Eating and drinking are generally discouraged on the temple grounds but there are plenty of little cafés and eateries in the area, including some selling maneki-neko themed snacks.
Toilets: There are public restrooms available on the temple grounds.
Baby-changing facilities: Dedicated baby-changing facilities are not available at the temple. You'll find these in Gotokuji Station, however.
Other attractions nearby
Shibuya: Just a short train ride away on the Odakyu Line, Shibuya is a must-visit for its famous Scramble Crossing and trendy shopping.
Shimokitazawa: This bohemian neighbourhood is known for its vintage shops, live music venues, and quirky cafés.
Yoyogi Park: Located near Shibuya, Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo's largest and most famous parks, perfect for a relaxing stroll.
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