The temple was originally named Kōtoku-in before being renamed to honor the posthumous name of Ii Naotaka.
The maneki-neko here are typically depicted without a coin, which represents the opportunity for happiness rather than wealth.
The temple serves as a final resting place for Ii Naosuke, a key political figure who signed the 1858 Treaty of Amity and Commerce.
Visitors purchase small cat figurines as offerings, often leaving them in designated piles around the temple grounds.
The temple cat statues range in size from tiny ornaments to large ceramic figures.
Gōtoku-ji is located on what was historically the outskirts of the Edo city limits.
Gōtoku-ji is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple renowned for its thousands of beckoning cat figurines, known as maneki-neko. The temple serves as the burial ground for the Ii family, the prominent feudal lords of the Hikone Domain during the Edo period. Legend credits a cat's gesture for luring Ii Naotaka into the temple during a storm, saving him from lightning and leading to the temple's patronage. The grounds feature a dedicated hall, the Shōfuku-den, containing an overflow of ceramic cats offered by worshippers in gratitude for granted wishes. The architecture includes a three-story pagoda and multiple gates reflecting traditional Japanese wooden craftsmanship. It remains a functioning site for local religious practice rather than a dedicated museum. The surrounding Setagaya neighborhood maintains a residential, low-rise atmosphere.
The area surrounding the Shōfuku-den, where thousands of white cat figurines are clustered together.
Keep voices low and respect the privacy of local worshippers as this is an active religious site.
Avoid handling or rearranging the cat figurines, as they are sacred offerings left by others.
Check the temple's official website before arrival to ensure there are no private ceremonies limiting public access.
Touching the statues or climbing on temple structures for photos.
Refrain from taking photos of worshippers during prayers; remove footwear if entering building interiors.
