Guide to Visiting Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo Japan

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and book through an affiliate program, I receive a small commission at no cost to you! Read more about my privacy policy.

Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is known as the lucky cat temple because it displays hundreds of lucky cat figurines, remnants of wishes come true.

Whether you’re a fan of those cute lucky cat figures or you simply like historic temples, you’ll enjoy visiting Gotokuji Temple while in Tokyo.

It makes for a wonderful half-day trip to get away from crowds and into a quiet neighborhood and a beautiful Japanese garden on the temple grounds.

In this guide, I’ll share:

Everything you should know about Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo
How to get your own lucky cat figurine
Where to find a lucky cat pastry in the neighborhood
Other things you can do/eat near Gotokuji Temple

Table of Contents Show

About Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo

Traces back to the 15th century. Gotokuji Temple is a Buddhist temple that was established in the 1400s. It was once a small, humble place but is now infamous for its lucky cats.

Birthplace of the lucky cat. According to folklore, Gotokuji Temple is the origin of the lucky cat. It’s said that the lucky cat symbol originated at Gotokuji Temple back in the 1600s when a cat living at the temple beckoned a samurai lord into shelter from a thunderstorm. The lord then repaid the act by generously funding the temple.

Learn the full story below.

girl standing in front of a temple in a Japanese garden — Gotokuji Temple

hundreds of lucky cat figures displayed on shelves — Gotokuji Temple

Quick Facts about Visiting Gotokuji Temple

Location: Gotokuji 2-24-7, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 154-0021
Entry Cost: Free
Hours: Temple grounds open from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. / Temple office open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
How to Learn More: Visit the official Gotokuji Temple website (English version).

a bronze lucky cat statue beckoning people outside the entrance of the temple gate — Gotokuji Temple

hundreds of lucky cat figures displayed on shelves and on the ground — Gotokuji Temple

Why the Lucky Cats?

It’s a common belief in Japan that cats have protective powers and symbolize good fortune.

The maneki-neko represents one particularly legendary cat, deified centuries ago at Gotokuji Temple.

I found several variations of the story, some giving more details than others, but they all had the following in common.

Gotokuji Temple started out humble and small

In the 17th century, a poor monk lived there with his cat, leading a quiet peaceful life.

Until one day a lord samurai visited during a storm

Naotaka Ii, the lord of Hikone domain, passed by the temple on the way back from hunting. Rain began falling and thunder roared, so the lord took shelter under a tree outside the temple.

A cat invited him into shelter

While there, he saw the monk’s cat with one paw up as if beckoning him inside. He walked toward the cat just as lightning struck the tree where he had been standing.

The lord samurai dedicated and funded the temple

Having escaped the storm, Naotaka was so grateful and impressed by the luck the cat brought, he became the patron of the temple. This samurai lord dedicated the temple to his clan, financing and rebuilding it in 1633. He helped to repair it and make more space for the monk. After Naotaka’s death, the temple was named after his Buddhist name, Kyushoin-den Gotokuten ei-daikoji.

The cat was deified and memorialized

The cat that created the opportunity for the temple to grow into a respected and important place was deified as the “Fortune-inviting Kannon.” When the cat died, a statue of maneki-neko was made to commemorate its life, and this location is still considered sacred.

Today, lucky cat figures fill Gotokuji Temple, a lasting legacy of good luck.

a yellow leaf that fell atop a lucky cat figurine — Gotokuji Temple

Distinctions of the Lucky Cats at Gotokuji Temple

A couple of distinctions about the maneki-neko (lucky cats) at Gotokuji Temple.

They all have their right paw raised. In general, there is a meaning behind which paw is raised, as it signals the type of fortune you want to beckon.

Left paw up: beckoning customers (commonly displayed in front of businesses)
Right paw up: beckoning wealth and success

They don’t hold a coin. Most maneki-neko (lucky cat) figures hold a coin from Japan’s Edo period. But all of the figures at Gotokuji Temple do not hold anything. Why is that?

It’s to teach a lesson that the maneki-neko does not bring happiness directly, according to the Gotokuji Temple website. Instead, maneki-neko brings chances to link to people or opportunities, and it is up to you whether you can make it work. If you live in constant gratitude, then luck and happiness will come to you spontaneously.

a girl with her head turned to look at all of the lucky cat figurines on the shelves — Gotokuji Temple

Take a Lucky Cat Figurine Home

If you buy a lucky cat figurine from Gotokuji Temple, your money is supporting the temple, but you can also make a wish on your cat. Take it home with you, and when your wish comes true, you make a return trip to Gotokuji Temple. Then, you can place your cat among all the others as a thank you.

What I find interesting about the lucky cat figurines on display at Gotokuji Temple is that they all represent a wish granted. It’s like gathering all that successful, lucky energy together in one place.

There are a LOT of cat figurines here, too, so it makes you feel kinda good inside that all these figurines represent someone out there receiving good fortune.

How to Buy a Lucky Cat:

Choose your size. You can purchase a cat figurine from the office/reception behind the temple, and there are many different sizes — from tiny ones on keychains to large statues — and they all have different costs. Keep in mind your budget and what you can conveniently carry.
Pay in cash to avoid the vending machine queue. You’ll probably see a long line to use a vending machine outside of the office/reception building, but you don’t have to wait in it if you can pay with cash.
Bring cash with you so you can head right into the office and select your lucky cat figurine.
At the desk, there is a printed menu you can point to if you don’t speak Japanese very well. I used the phrase “Kore o onegaishimasu” a lot in Japan; it means “This one please.”
Use the vending machine for card payment. If you don’t have cash, you’ll have to wait to use the vending machine for credit card payment. After making payment you’ll take your receipt to the office staff who will hand you the figurine you paid for.
Sometimes the temple runs out of figurines so I hope luck is on your side during your visit!

Rules for Taking a Lucky Cat:

Please take home the maneki-neko figurine you bought.
Please don’t write your wish on the back of the figurine.
It is said that it will grant a wish if put in your house.
Return your figurine to Gotokuji Temple only when your wish has been fulfilled.

a girl holding an umbrella in one hand and a lucky cat figurine in the other hand — Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple

close up of an amulet hanging on a board — Gotokuji Temple

close up of lucky cat figurines on a shelf — Gotokuji Temple

What to Do at Gotokuji Temple

Gotokuji Temple is not very big, so you can probably complete your visit after 1-2 hours. While you’re here, be sure to check out the following:

See the lucky cat collection.
Say hello to the maneki-neko statue in front of the shofuku-den.
Admire the three-storied pagoda (sanju-no-to) and try to find the hidden cats etched on it.
Wander the garden.
Buy your own lucky cat in the office/reception.
Light incense at the large “Kokaku” incense burners.
Explore the temple grounds.
Look for the real cats who call the temple home.

map of the Gotokuji Temple grounds — Map courtesy of Gotokuji Temple

When to Visit

Gotokuji Temple experiences the four seasons — blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, fall foliage in autumn, and snow in winter.

I visited Gotokuji Temple in late November and was treated to stunning fall foliage. It was so beautiful!

I highly recommend visiting in autumn for this reason as Gotokuji Temple is known for it.

However, any season you visit will be beautiful. Gotokuji Temple has an incredible Japanese garden worth visiting anytime.

Brown and yellow leaves covering the ground — Gotokuji Temple

a girl smiling in front of shelves of lucky cat figurines at the Gotokuji Temple — Gotokuji Temple

close up of red maple leaves on a tree — Gotokuji Temple

How to Get There

Take the lucky cat train from Sangenjaya Station to Miyanosaka Station.

Japan is known for having special themed trains, and there is even one dedicated to the lucky cat.

The maneki-neko train has been running since 2019, when it was created to mark the 50th anniversary of the Setagaya Line.

If you’re lucky, you can take a ride on it as it only appears about once every 10 trains. And it will drop you off nearly right in front of Gotokuji Temple at Miyanosaka Station.

You can also try to catch it on your way back from Gotokuji Temple.

Learn more information on the official Setagaya Line website.

The special lucky cat train on the train tracks riding through a neighborhood — Photo courtesy of the official Maneki-neko Densha website.

Take the train to Gotokuji Station.

I didn’t try to catch the lucky cat train and just went straight to Gotokuji Station (it was faster for me).

From Gotokuji Station, it’s only a 15-minute, half-mile walk to the temple, and you’ll walk along a major street with cute cafes and lucky cats all over.

Consult Google Maps for exact directions, but you’ll most likely need to transfer. I transferred at the Yoyogi-Uehara Station. The whole trip took about 45 minutes from Akihabara Station.

cats painted on a pole on a street — Setagaya, Tokyo

Lucky Cats in the Neighborhood: What to Do Near Gotokuji Temple

Brief history of Setagaya

Setagaya has the largest population of Tokyo’s 23 wards at just under 1 million residents.

Centuries ago, Setagaya was a farming village on the outskirts of Edo (former name of Tokyo).

After World War II, many new houses and roads were constructed in Setagaya, and today it is a highly desired neighborhood offering a mix of upscale housing, trendy cafes, and nature.

How many lucky cats can you find?

It seems many people in Setagaya have embraced its legacy of the lucky cat as there are lucky cats all over the streets.

I found lucky cats in windows, on benches, and on signs. It’s kinda fun to try to spot as many lucky cats as possible.

a sign that says "Gotokuji Temple" with an arrow saying 800m in the neighborhood — Setagaya, Tokyo

a large lucky cat figure sitting on a public bench — Setagaya, Tokyo

Try a Lucky Cat Pastry at Rarasand

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Address: 1 Chome-8-5 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0021, Japan
Cost: 280-330 yen
Flavors: Chocolate, caramel, custard, sweet red bean, cream cheese, seasonal flavors
Website: http://rarasand.astala.co.jp/

I highly, highly recommend stopping at Rarasand for a shofuku-yaki, a lucky cat-shaped Japanese cake. It’s similar to taiyaki in that it is filled inside with a cream of your choice.

I tried the chocolate flavor and thought it was to die for.

Rarasand is easy to find; it’s on the major street which you’ll most likely pass if you’re walking from Gotokuji Station to the temple.

a hand holding up a lucky cat pastry in front of the shop — Rarasand, Setagaya

a plate full of lucky cat pastries sitting on a shelf at the shop — Rarasand, Setagaya

Try a Lucky Cat Stamped Pancake at Mahorodou Sougetsu

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Mondays
Address: Japan, 〒156-0051 Tokyo, Setagaya City, Miyasaka, 1 Chome−38−19 ウインザー・パレス 103
Website: https://mahorodou-sougetsu.com

Mahorodou Sougetsu is right across the street (and across the train tracks) from Gotokuji Temple.

They sell mini pancakes stamped with a lucky cat, called maneki-neko dorayaki.

Stop for a Cream Puff at Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory

Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., closed Tuesdays
Address: 5 Chome-3-1 Daita, Setagaya City, Tokyo 155-0033, Japan
Cost: 640-680 yen
Website: http://www.shiro-hige.net/
How to get there: Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory is two stops away on the Odakyu Line from the Gotokuji Station at Setagaya-Daita Station. And then it’s just a short 5-minute walk from there to the shop.

If you’re a Ghibli fan, I highly recommend visiting while you are in Setagaya. The bakery owner is said to be the sister-in-law of Studio Ghibli founder/director, Hayao Miyazaki. It’s also the only bakery recognized by Studio Ghibli.

The shop is so charmingly decorated in Ghibli merch, and the main event is the cream puffs shaped like Totoro from the anime My Neighbor Totoro.

They often sell out by the afternoon, so try to get there early. There are several flavors to choose from, and each flavor is marked by its designated colored hat or leaf atop Totoro’s head.

You’ll probably see people waiting outside, but you only have to wait if you want a table. If you’re fine with taking your cream puffs to go, then you can simply walk into the shop.

We ordered the custard and chocolate cream cream puffs to go — and I have to say I liked the custard better!

hand holding a cute totoro cream puff in front of the shop's sign at Shirohige's Cream Puff Shop — Shirohige’s Cream Puff Factory, Setagaya

FAQs about Visiting Gotokuji Temple Tokyo

Is it worth going to Gotokuji Temple?

Yes, it’s definitely worth visiting Gotokuji Temple, especially if you love cats.

Is Gotokuji Temple free?

Yes, it’s free to enter Gotokuji Temple!

Does Gotokuji Temple close?

Yes, the temple grounds close at 5 p.m., and the office (where you can purchase the lucky cat figurines) closes at 3 p.m.

How long does Gotokuji Temple take?

Since it’s a small temple, you can easily visit Gotokuji Temple in under 2 hours. Expect transportation to/from Gotokuji Temple to take about 1 hour. It’s a great half-day trip.

Where is Gotokuji Temple located?

Gotokuji Temple is located in a neighborhood/ward called Setagaya.

How far is Gotokuji Temple from Tokyo?

Gotokuji Temple is technically still in Tokyo, in a ward called Setagaya. It’s about 8 miles from Tokyo Station.

Where to eat near Gotokuji Temple?

There are lots of places near Gotokuji Temple to stop for a snack or meal.

Consider:

Mahorodou Sougetsu
Rarasand
Shirohige’s Cream Puff Shop
Balearic
iL Chianti Firenze

Map of Things to Do in and Around Gotokuji Temple

Where to Stay While in Tokyo

I did a lot of research into the neighborhoods of Tokyo to figure out where to stay.

I had a couple of conditions:

Stay somewhere in Tokyo that’s close to a major train station — so you can reach your day trip destinations easily.
Stay somewhere in Tokyo with an active nightlife — so you can continue exploring and making the most of Tokyo after day trips.
Stay somewhere in Tokyo that is not too touristy (definitely avoid Shinjuku and Shibuya) — so you can look forward to returning and not have to deal with crowds.

My conclusion? Stay in Akihabara!

Where I stayed: I stayed at the JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara and LOVED it. I would definitely stay here again. The hotel rooms were clean and pretty roomy considering Tokyo standards, and a buffet breakfast was included with the stay. The hotel staff was also so friendly and considerate. It checked all the boxes.

The JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara is steps away from Akihabara Station, a major train/metro station with connections to Tokyo Station and more.
The JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara is in the manga/anime district (Akihabara), a super fun neighborhood with many arcades, gashapons, and claw machines, open late.
The JR-East Hotel Mets Akihabara is not in a super touristy area, but it did get more crowded at night, mostly with locals looking to spend a night on the town. Mornings and mid-day are pretty quiet.

buildings lit up at night in Akihabara — Akihabara, Tokyo

girl standing in the middle of a pedestrian street in Akihabara with people passing by, surrounded by tall lit-up buildings at night — Akihabara, Tokyo

What to Pack for Your Trip to Japan

Comfortable and convenient footwear

You’ll likely walk a lot while visiting Japan, so a good pair of walking shoes is a must. However, one additional recommendation is make sure your sneakers are slip-in.

Why wear slip-in sneakers?

Many traditional places in Japan require guests to remove shoes before entering. Shoes with a lot of laces are hard to get off. But slip-ins? A breeze.

Slip-in sneakers — I wore this pair of slip-in sneakers from Skechers my entire trip to Japan, and it was so convenient! I didn’t even have to sit down to take off my shoes, like everyone else did. My shoes just slipped right off. I also felt comfortable in these shoes despite walking 20,000 steps every single day.
Ankle socks — Be sure to wear ankle-covering socks with your shoes so you don’t get blisters with all that walking. I wore these Hanes ankle socks every day of my trip to Japan and didn’t get a single blister.

Favorite travel essentials

I really recommend these compression packing cubes. They’re very thick and durable and allow you to pack more than you expect.
I also love this travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, fits almost as much as a carry-on, and has tons of pockets as well as a strap to attach to your luggage handle. It makes traveling so much easier and more organized.
I bring this AirFly receiver for AirPods with me on long-haul flights, so I can connect to the plane’s video screen with my own AirPods.
I no longer hop on a flight without wearing my Sockwell compression socks because they really do help relieve/prevent leg cramps from sitting so long in one place. I have the lotus pattern, but there are other patterns to choose from, such as this cat pattern or this flower pattern. See all sock patterns in the Sockwell storefront.
For Americans, I recommend getting the Capital One Venture X credit card to relax and eat free food in select airport lounges. I’ve had my Capital One Venture X credit card for a few years now, and accessing airport lounges is my absolute favorite perk of the card. Every lounge is different, but most have a buffet available where you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. The annual fee of this card is high, but it evens out with the $300 annual travel credit and 10,000 anniversary miles you get (on top of lounge access and free TSA PreCheck or Global Entry)!