Gotoku-ji Temple | 豪徳寺 | Beckoning Cat Temple

There are some theories that the beckoning cat (maneki-neko/) derives from Gotoku-ji Temple, located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.

Gotoku-ji is a temple near Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line and Miyanohara Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line.

It is a temple on a large site in a residential area of Setagaya.

Gate/門

Gotokuji has two entrances, the Mountain Gate (Sanmon) and the East Gate (Higashimon).

Approach/Sando/参道

There is an approach when you enter the mountain gate.

When you go along the approach, you will find a large incense burner.

There is a big bell next to the approach.

We will ring this bell at the time of New Year’s Eve.

It is called Joya no kane (除夜の鐘）.

It is customary to ring the bell 108 times.

Joya no kane(除夜の鐘) purifies the bad things of the year.

Beckoning Cat | 招き猫

Many beckoning cats (招き猫) are displayed at Gotoku-ji Temple.

The beckoning cat spot is very popular.

Many non-Japanese people will also visit.

Three-storied pagoda/三重塔

Gotokuji has a beautiful three-storied pagoda.

The surrounding trees decorate the three-storied pagoda every season.

Souvenir/お土産

There is a shop selling souvenirs in Gotoku-ji.

Since it is a temple, there are not so many types, but commemorative ones are on sale.

Access

Gotoku-ji is a 10-minute walk from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line.
5 minutes walk from Miyanosaka Station on the Setagaya Line.
A beckoning cat will welcome you when you exit the ticket gate at Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line.