This lucky cat is a familiar sight across the world, holding up his paw to invite customers and money into businesses.

Why is Gotokuji Home to So Many Maneki Neko?

The maneki neko (beckoning cat) originated in Japan, and in a residential area of Tokyo there is a whole temple dedicated to them. With row after row of these lucky statues, Gotokuji Temple is a place for cat lovers to pray.

According to the Japan National Tourist Organisation, there’s a story behind the cat worship. During the Edo period, the feudal lord of Hikone walked past the temple on the way back from a spot of falconry, as feudal lords did in those days. The temple’s cat beckoned to him from the front gate, so he did what any sensible person would do when given advice from a cat. He went into the temple for some rest.

Just then, a severe thunderstorm struck, but the feudal lord was warm and dry inside the temple all thanks to the cat. To show his gratitude he donated a ton of money to the poverty stricken temple and designated it as his family temple.

When the cat died, he was enshrined in the temple grounds, becoming a god called Shobyo Kannon. Visitors to the temple started bringing a maneki neko as a gift after their wishes were granted, which is how they amassed an army of beckoning cats.

Other people bring more tasty offerings for Shobyo Kannon.

A Tokyo Temple Sightseeing Spot for Cat Lovers

The temple is a bit out of the way, located in a suburb of Tokyo. But recently it has been getting popular with tourists as a photography spot.

If you love cats or photography Gotokuji Temple is the purr-fect place to visit.

How to Get There

5 minute walk from Gotokuji station on Odakyu line

Address: 154-0021 Tokyo, Setagaya, Gotokuji, 2-24-7