Gōtoku-ji

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The temple was originally named Kōtoku-in before being renamed to honor the posthumous name of Ii Naotaka.

2. 2

   The maneki-neko here are typically depicted without a coin, which represents the opportunity for happiness rather than wealth.

3. 3

   The temple serves as a final resting place for Ii Naosuke, a key political figure who signed the 1858 Treaty of Amity and Commerce.

4. 4

   Visitors purchase small cat figurines as offerings, often leaving them in designated piles around the temple grounds.

5. 5

   The temple cat statues range in size from tiny ornaments to large ceramic figures.

6. 6

   Gōtoku-ji is located on what was historically the outskirts of the Edo city limits.

Overview

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.

Insider tips

• 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.