Tokyo, Japan: Gotokuji (Lucky Cat) Temple, Setagaya
We found out about the existence of this temple in Setagaya when we were reading the lines included in the Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass. When were deciding if the pass going to Yokohama is more cost effective than purchasing a one way ticket onsite, we saw a Maneki-neko photo in one of the maps that shows the routes of the said pass.
This temple is around 10 minutes from Miyanosaka Station via Setagaya Line which is included in the Tokyu Line pass.
Klook Link: Purchase Unlimited Subway Rides in Tokyo here.
This can be used at subway lines in Tokyo. Take note that this isn't accepted in JR lines.
Klook Link: Purchase Tokyu Line 1-Day Pass here.
This can be used going to Yokohama. It's cheaper than availing a per way ticket plus we were able to visit Gotokuji Temple on the same day since Setagaya Line is a part of this pass.
Tokyo, Japan: Claiming Unlimited Subway Ride Tickets and Tokyu Line 1 Day Pass in Shibuya (via Klook reservation)
Follow Google Map to get here. This is fairly easy to locate from the train station.
Entrance Fee: None
The Buddhist Temple is quite huge. There are Pagodas and a cemetery in the vicinity.
The entire temple is quite huge but we didn't walk around that much because of the heat and time constraints.
The entire temple is quite huge but we didn't walk around that much because of the heat and time constraints.
Don't we all wish for this? 💗
Thank you, Universe for giving us the chance to heal our 2020 heartbreak! Tokyo trip finally came true after three years and three months of waiting. 💖
Maneki-nekos are believed to make wishes come true and bring good fortune.
You've probably already seen a figurine 'cause this is quite famous especially in business establishments.
Actually, the funny thing was in September 2022, we went to a Japanese-Themed Food Park in Cebu, Philippines. In there, we saw huge statues of Maneki-neko and we were telling each other that we should make a wish and manifest a Japan trip - we flew to Japan in July 2023. It's just amazing to experience a wish coming true, you know. I continue to blog for this. A lot of my posts especially from years ago are cringy so I don't usually re-read them. But sometimes, they'd include some wishes and hopes so I backread to get a glimpse and be reminded of how I felt back when I was constructing the post... I am thankful but I cringe every.single.time. 😂😂😂
Maneki-Neko figurines on the left side of the photo above.
I copied this from the website of JR Rail Pass so we can get a brief history about the origin of these figurines.
The story behind Gotokuji’s waving cat:
Many westerns mistakenly believe that Maneki-neko are waving, and some even think that the cat is washing its face, reflecting the Japanese belief that this action signals the arrival of a guest. However, its waving paw is actually meant to be beckoning people towards the figurine.
The most popular legend about the origin of the figurine takes place at the site of the Gotokuji temple in the 17th century when a poor monk is said to have lived on the site with his pet cat.
A samurai lord is said to have been traveling in the region during a large storm when he took shelter under a large tree near the temple, only to witness the cat waving to him with one paw from inside.
Curious, he got closer to investigate the strange cat, when the tree behind him was suddenly completely destroyed by a bolt of lightning. Grateful to the cat for seemingly saving his life, the lord became a patron of the temple and rebuilt the crumbling structure in honor of the lucky feline.
Nowadays, visitors to the temple offer representations of this cat to a god or Buddha in an act of hono or ‘offering’, as this is believed to make wishes come true and bring good fortune to those who leave a Maneki Neko behind.
The shop was closed when we went there so we weren't able to purchase and leave our own in the temple.
The areas where the figurines are isn't huge. It's along the pathway around this temple.
They're crowded but they're so cute.
Three Story Pagoda
This was summer and it was hot so we didn't walk around the temple a lot. We took this photo while going back to the gate.
This was summer and it was hot so we didn't walk around the temple a lot. We took this photo while going back to the gate.
I have seen photos from this Temple that were taken during the Autumn Season and they were breathtaking. This temple has a lot of maple trees which leaves turn yellow, red, and orange during Fall. Also, visiting this during Spring or Autumn should be more comfortable because of the lower temperature.
I saw a few taxis that passed through here but we just walked back to the station.
If you watch the video I posted on Instagram, you'd see that one of the trains that run the Setagaya Route of Tokyu Line is Maneki-neko Themed as well.
Second Time in Japan: Places We Visited in Tokyo
First Time in Japan: Northern Kyushu Itinerary, Expenses and Travel Tips (From Hakata in Fukuoka)
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Everything, in time. 💖
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