Researched guide · Checked on Oct 20, 2026
Hundreds of small white beckoning cats line up in the grounds of Gotokuji, a quiet Buddhist temple in Setagaya that is said to be one of the places where the maneki-neko began. Cats even appear on the temple’s three-storied pagoda. It is free to visit.
Quick answer
Hours: 6:00–17:00. The temple office (amulets and cat figures) is open 8:00–15:00.
Admission: free.
Getting there: about 5 minutes on foot from Miyanosaka Station (Tokyu Setagaya Line), or 15 minutes from Gotokuji Station (Odakyu Line).
The story of the beckoning cat
According to the temple, a feudal lord returning from falconry passed by the gate and was beckoned inside by a cat. Soon after he entered, a thunderstorm began. Grateful for escaping the rain and enjoying a talk with the priest, the lord, Ii Naotaka of the Hikone domain, became the temple’s patron, and Gotokuji was rebuilt in 1633. The temple calls its cats shofuku-neko, “cats that invite good fortune”.
What to see
- Shofukuden Hall: the hall dedicated to the beckoning cat.
- The cat offering area: rows of white cat figures. Many visitors offer one after a wish comes true.
- Three-storied pagoda: look for the cats hidden among the twelve zodiac animals.
- Gotokuji’s cats raise their right paw and hold no gold coin. The temple explains that the cat brings good connections, and what you make of them is up to you.
Visiting tips
- The cat figures are sacred. Do not write on them.
- Gotokuji is an active temple with graves and memorial services. Keep your voice down and be respectful.
- The temple does not run or endorse any guided tours sold on travel websites. Commercial photo shoots or guided activities need the temple’s permission in advance.
- Cat figures and amulets are available at the temple office (8:00–15:00).
How to get there
| Station | Line | Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Miyanosaka | Tokyu Setagaya Line | About 5 min |
| Gotokuji | Odakyu Line | About 15 min |
Address: 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku. The Tokyu Setagaya Line starts at Sangenjaya, which is on the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line from Shibuya.
Planning which ones to visit? See eight temples and shrines side by side in temples and shrines in Tokyo.
Love cats? See cat cafes in Tokyo.
FAQ
Is Gotokuji free?
Yes. There is no admission fee.
What time is Gotokuji open?
6:00–17:00. The temple office is open 8:00–15:00.
Why is Gotokuji famous for cats?
According to the temple, a cat beckoned the lord Ii Naotaka inside just before a storm, and he became the temple’s patron. The temple honors the cat as a bringer of good fortune.
Can I buy a cat figure?
Yes. Cat figures and amulets are available at the temple office.
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Sources
History, hours, rules and access come from Gotokuji’s official website (checked October 20, 2026). Please check before you go.
