Gotokuji Temple [Tokyo]

2025年4月13日

【Gotokuji Temple summary】

Gotokuji Temple was built in 1480. The area around the temple seems to have been the main part of Setagaya Castle (abandoned castle). Later, the temple became a family temple of the Ii family (Ii Naosuke), and the white cat that brought good fortune to the temple was worshipped and ornaments in the shape of the white cat (beckoning cat) were made. It is said to be the birthplace of beckoning cats.

【Gotokuji Temple Sanmon Gate】

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Sanmon Gate was built in 1884, but collapsed during the Great Kanto Earthquake. The current gate was rebuilt in the early Showa period. The oblong plaque reads “Hekiunkaku.

【Gotokuji Temple Incense burners and komainu】

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An incense burner is placed between the Sanmon Gate and the Buddhist temple.

【Gotokuji Temple Buddhist temple】

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This Buddhist temple was built in 1677 (Enpo 5) during the Edo period. The interior is not open to the public, but three statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Amida Nyorai, and Yakushi Nyorai are enshrined in the hall. It is designated as a tangible cultural property of Setagaya Ward.

【Gotokuji Temple Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) Dedication Hall】

The dedication hall is where manekineko cats that have completed their one-year service as good luck charms are dedicated the following year. There are eight types of beckoning cats at Gotokuji, ranging from pea-sized to extra-large (30 cm tall), and the total number of beckoning cats in the dedication hall is over 15,000.

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Indeed, this sight is rare and is expected to be popular among foreign tourists. The line in front of the temple office to purchase this beckoning cat was quite long and overwhelming. ・・・・ I gave up and left.

【Gotokuji Temple three-storied pagoda】

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The three-story pagoda was built in 2006 (Heisei 18). It is said to have five cat sculptures. Inside are enshrined statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Shakyamuni Buddha, Anan, and the beckoning cat child Kannon.

【Gotokuji Temple Jizo Hall】

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Jizo Hall was built in 2020. A statue of Jizo Bosatsu (Bodhisattva) with half-lotus is enshrined in the hall.

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This one was quiet because tourists were concentrating on the beckoning cat.

【Gotokuji Temple Nearby attractions】

Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine, Shoin Shrine

【Gotokuji Temple Access】

Manager’s Comments

We arrived at noon on a holiday. The temple is especially popular among foreigners and was already full of tourists when we visited. Many foreigners were sitting on the shoulder of the road in front of the temple eating and drinking, and I was surprised at their bad manners, which is unthinkable for Japanese people. It is quite dangerous because cars also pass by. The temple has a nice atmosphere when it is not crowded, so I think early morning on weekdays is the best time to visit the temple.

Site/Facility Size

(3.5)

Richness of Nature

(3)

Ease of access

(4)

Number of tourists

(5)