Buzz
The Gotokuji Temple, Japan is home to numerous Maneki Neko lucky waving cat statues. If you're a cat lover and adore cuteness, this place is a must-visit! These cats hold significant meaning in the spiritual life of the Japanese people, symbolizing happiness, luck, wealth... This adorable place will leave you feeling delighted endlessly.
About the Gotokuji Temple
The Gotokuji Temple is situated in the Setagaya district of Tokyo, Japan. It's a perfect spot for cat enthusiasts and those interested in Japanese culture. Upon arrival, you'll receive warm and enthusiastic hospitality from the staff here. Even if you don't speak Japanese, you'll have the chance to hear stories about the temple in English.
The renowned Gotokuji Temple is famous for its abundance of Maneki Neko cat statues, surpassing any other temples or shrines in Japan. Every nook and cranny here is adorned with wooden shelves displaying these cat figurines. The number of statues can reach thousands, varying in size and material including metal, stone, wood, and porcelain. Among them, the traditional white cat statues are the most prevalent.
Travelers capturing moments with the cat statues (Image Source: Personal collection)
Like many other temples in Tokyo, Gotokuji boasts a relatively small area. It's enveloped by majestic trees such as maple, cherry blossom, and white oak, resembling more of a garden. Without keen observation, one might easily overlook the entrance gate area.
The temple grounds feature meticulously designed Japanese-style gardens, offering a tranquil and serene atmosphere. This destination is entirely free of charge, with operating hours from 6 am to 6 pm. So, plan your visit accordingly!
The History of Gotokuji Temple
Numerous legends circulate about the origins of the Maneki Neko lucky beckoning cat. However, the most widely known source is traced back to Gotokuji Temple. It's said that during the Edo period (1603-1868), a temple priest at Gotokuji kept a cat named Tama. Despite living in poverty, the priest took great care of his feline companion.
One day, a local lord was out hunting when a heavy rainstorm began. Taking shelter under a tree at the temple, Tama waved its paw, prompting the lord to follow. Moments after they left, lightning struck the tree, saving them from harm. In gratitude, the lord generously donated funds and resources to renovate the temple.
A famous tale about the temple widely known among travelers (Image Source: Personal collection)
Gotokuji Temple was renamed to its current name in 1697. After its passing, Tama was buried in a dedicated cat cemetery. The Maneki Neko statue was erected to express the lord's gratitude towards the cat that saved his life. As a result, the number of visitors to this place has steadily increased. They come to pay respects, pray for peace, and seek good luck and blessings.
The Significance of Maneki Neko Cats to the Japanese
In Japan, you'll find Maneki Neko cats almost everywhere, but they're most prominent at Gotokuji Temple. Many tourists choose to visit here to admire the scenery and these cats. This image is also considered a symbol of the land of the rising sun.
For the Japanese, Maneki Neko brings a lot of luck. Many people buy these cat statues and place them in significant locations within their homes, workplaces, or shops. During a trip to Japan, no matter which store you visit, you'll always find Maneki Neko present.
The adorable cat statue plays a significant role in the spiritual life of the Japanese (Image Source: Personal collection)
The image of a cat with one paw raised is believed to be beckoning people. Many believe this gesture attracts customers or brings wealth and luck to the owner. Each color symbolizes different meanings. You can explore to buy as gifts for your loved ones, friends.
- White cats are seen as symbols of happiness, representing pure goodness.
- Red cats signify success, fulfillment in love, and relationships.
- Green brings good health.
- Black signifies warding off misfortune. Japanese girls particularly favor this color of Maneki Neko as they believe it helps them avoid harassers.
- Golden cats bring wealth and prosperity to the household.
Why should you visit Gotokuji Temple?
Gotokuji Temple is an incredibly peaceful and serene destination. If you're seeking tranquility for your soul, then this is the place to be. Even just a short stroll here will bring you a strangely relaxing experience. This is why this temple attracts so many visitors.
The second reason, you might have guessed it. It's because there are numerous impressive Maneki Neko statues here. Everywhere you look in the temple, you'll find these cats. This creates picturesque photo spots, full of vibrancy.
A space filled with Maneki Neko (Image Source: Personal collection)
Especially inside Gotokuji Temple, there are vendors selling Japanese fortune-telling paper strips. If you don't understand the meaning of the fortune strip, you can ask the staff for an explanation in English. Alternatively, you can write down your wishes on a wooden ema plaque and hang it on the wall. It is believed that by doing so, your wish will come true.
If you haven't thought of souvenirs for your loved ones or friends, you can buy cat statues here. The statues are very affordable and diverse. Most of them are suitable for travelers' budgets. Small Maneki Neko statues cost around 300 yen. The largest statue with real size is priced at about 5,000 yen.
Highlights of Gotokuji Temple
Gotokuji Temple also plays a very important spiritual role in people's lives. People often come to the temple to offer prayers and wishes. Many buy a statue here and make a wish. When their dream comes true, they will bring the statue back to the temple as a token of gratitude.
Over time, the number of Maneki Neko statues has been increasing. That's also one of the reasons explaining why the temple has so many statues. If you visit here in spring, you'll have the opportunity to admire the cherry blossoms in full bloom. This is also the ideal time for travelers to appreciate the ancient beauty of the temple.
The unique architecture of the temple also captures the attention of many tourists (Image Source: Personal collection)
This temple boasts an incredibly distinctive architecture. Many visitors cannot help but admire the scenery here after visiting. The temple consists of three tiers with architecture deeply rooted in Japan. If you want to learn more, you can include this destination in your itinerary.
Gotokuji Temple is a truly fascinating destination in Tokyo, Japan. If you're looking for a serene spiritual destination with lovely decor, then this is the place to be. This destination will surely meet all your requirements. Japan is a country with a unique cultural heritage, along with extraordinary structures. To book a tour to Japan, contact Mytour via the hotline Mytour!
