Gōtokuji Temple aka Lucky Cat Temple in Tokyo - Review
Little Miss and I love lucky cats so it was a no-brainer that we wanted to checkout the Gōtokuji Temple during our Tokyo trip. It is a little bit out of Tokyo on train but it didn’t bother us. We got off at the Gotokuji Station where we saw one lucky cat straight away outside at the entrance. You can apparently get a stamp at the train station on your white notepads but we couldn’t find the stamp area. We then headed to the Gōtokuji Temple on foot which is about 10 minutes+ walk along the streets. It wasn’t busy when we walked there in the morning however be mindful of cars and walking on the correct side of the road. The temple area does get busy with guided tours and buses mid morning.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
When we arrived at the Gōtokuji Temple, we saw the lucky cat temple statue at the gate. The name of this temple dates back 1659 and has grand buildings, a pagoda, gardens and Edo-period pattern preserved burial grounds. Legend holds that while hunting with falcons, the daimyo li Naotaka was saved from a lightning bolt when the chief priest’s pet cat Tama beckoned him into Gotokuji. This is the origin of the lucky "beckoning cat" or maneki-neko statue, which is popular as a charm for home safety, business success or fulfilment of prayers.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
It is a lovely temple but the main reason for visitors at the Gōtokuji Temple is of course the lucky cats and there was no shortage of them and we couldn’t believe how many there were! There are two main areas where they are housed as well as the new one down the side of the building. They are slowly taking over the area - so cute!
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Photo credit: @busycitykids
You can buy your own lucky cat in the shop within the Gōtokuji Temple and your Ema prayer plaque and leave them in the dedicated areas. Cats come in different sizes, we loved the mini ones and left one at the temple amongst his new friends and bought some for souvenirs and for home.
The rest of the grounds are lovely, you can put a coin and ring the temple bell for luck as well as leave prayers and there is a water pump near the entrance (photo shown at the beginning of this post) that you can use to freshen up.
Photo credit: @busycitykids
Before or after you head to the Gōtokuji Temple, head to Rarasand’s Setagaya Café for a gluten free Monaka (rice wafer cake filled with red bean paste), Japanese Sponge Cake shaped in a lucky cat with different flavours like custard and chocolate (we had the custard which was delicious!) or grab an Imagawayaki in different flavours too. Couple either of those warm treats with a coffee from Iron Coffee next door (they do a great cold brew and hot coffee too) and you’ll be happy! Both are on the way from/to the Gotokuji train Station.
Overall, a visit at the Gōtokuji Temple and sponge cat & coffee after, made it a great morning outing!
Our Tips:
Make your way to the Gotokuji train Station and then walk (about 10-15 minutes depending on pace) or grab a cab to the Gotokuji Temple. Just be mindful of cars and bikes around the small streets if you’re walking.
Head there early in the morning. The temple opens at 6am to 5pm daily check Google to make sure they are open on the day.
The temple is located at 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021, Japan.
Entry is FREE.
Bring some water and snacks with you for the walk and make sure you grab some cash to buy your lucky cat and ring the temple bell for luck!
From memory, there was a toilet block before we go into the temple and a drinks vending machine too.
Try the cat sponges at the Rarasand Setagaya café and Iron coffee located at 1 Chome-8-5 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021
There is a 7/11 at the train station too.