Gotokuji Temple - a must see for Lucky Cat lovers in Tokyo, Japan
The first time I saw Lucky Cat was in NYC. Immediately smitten, it wasn’t until my holiday in Tokyo did I learn it originated in Japan! I always search Atlas Obscura before I travel and when I saw there was a temple at the birthplace of Maneki Neko (beckoning cat), I happily added it to my itinerary.
You’ve probably seen this cat in Japanese, Chinese, and other Asian businesses. It comes in a variety of colors, each with a different meaning. The most popular colors are white (original) for luck and good fortune, or gold for wealth. If the left paw is beckoning you’ll attract more customers (for business), but if it’s the right paw you’ll attract good fortune and money (for home).
Gotokuji Temple
It’s in a delightfully green neighborhood, with towering trees. The temple grounds feel super zen and tranquil. At the administration office, you can purchase porcelain Maneki Neko, in a variety of sizes, to leave behind with your wishes. Don’t forget to return to Gotokuji Temple once your wish has been granted. The tradition is to show gratitude and to return your Maneki Neko to the administration building!
You’ll find thousands of Maneki Neko in front of the wooden pagoda beckoning for you to enter. People decorate them, write wishes on them, then lovingly place them in a spot that resonates.
Before returning to Tokyo spend some time wandering around. It’s super kawaii with cafes, locals riding bikes and walking dogs, manicured yards, narrow streets, super cute houses, noodle makers showcasing their skills in windows, and if you’re lucky, you’ll glimpse the Maneki Neko train pass by! During my exploration I found the sweetest bakery, Touhiken, selling delicious cookies and cakes in the shape of Maneki Neko!
How to get to Gotokuji Temple
By train, it took about an hour from my capsule hotel. Find your way to Odakyu Line in the direction of Hon-Atsugi and exit at Gotokuji Station or Kyodo Station. The walk is 5 minutes longer from Kyodo Station but was so lovely. I highly recommend exiting at Kyodo Station and returning via Gotokuji.
