Gotokuji - The Temple of Lucky Cats

Japanese legend tells that during the Edo period in the 17th century, a cat rescued a feudal lord from a dangerous storm by beckoning him into Gotokuji Temple. In gratitude, the lord, a member of a powerful clan, became a patron of the Buddhist temple and vowed to ensure its continued prosperity.

Today, Gotokuji Temple is recognized as the birthplace of...maneki-nekoManeki-neko, also known as the "waving cat" or "lucky cat," has become a symbol of good fortune throughout Japan and later spread to China and many other Asian countries. That's why you can easily find images of Maneki-neko everywhere today. However, at the ancient Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo, this legendary cat is worshipped in its own sacred space.

Located in the Setagaya residential district, the ancient temple displays hundreds of lucky cat statues. Along the path leading to the temple, bright white cats are arranged around a statue of Kannon Bodhisattva.

Visitors to Gotokuji can purchase a small cat statue at the temple's reception desk and write their wish on it before leaving the statue in the temple, hoping it will come true. Those who buy a maneki-neko statue for good luck are allowed to take the souvenir home; however, according to temple tradition, if your prayer is answered, you should return the statue to the ancient temple as a token of gratitude.

Gotokuji Temple also offers visitors...o-mikujiJapanese fortune-telling cards, often found at Buddhist and Shinto shrines, as well as wooden prayer cards, are a type of divination used in Japan.emawhere visitors can write their prayers and hang them on the temple walls.

The charm of the ancient Gotokuji Temple doesn't just lie in its dedicated cat shrine. It also houses a cemetery within its grounds containing the remains of members of the Ii clan of Japan – the clan of the lord who brought prosperity to the temple during the Edo period.

Japanese culture is famous for its whirlwind of unique "obsession" trends, from cosplay cafes in Tokyo to olive-themed amusement parks in Shodoshima. And Setagaya district, home to the ancient shrine, is no exception. All the neighborhoods surrounding the shrine are filled with gift shops selling items and jewelry related to the maneki-neko. Furthermore, the local "Setagaya Line" train is decorated with adorable images of the lucky cat.

How to get to Gotokuji Temple:From central Tokyo, Gotokuji Temple is easily accessible via the Tokyu Setagaya Railway Line. After arriving at Miyanosaka Station, it's just a 5-minute walk through Setagaya to reach Gotokuji Temple. The temple is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and admission is free.

Hai Anh