Echizen, Japan
Gotanjoji Cat Temple
A Soto Zen training temple in Echizen, Fukui, where rescued cats live alongside monks — known as “Neko-dera.”
Before you go
- This is a training temple — visit quietly.
- Cat numbers and adoption news change; check Facebook before visiting.
- Buses are infrequent; taxi or car is usually easier.
About Gotanjoji Cat Temple
Gotanjoji (Banzosan Gotanjoji) is a Soto Zen training temple in the hills of Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture. After abandoned kittens were found on the grounds, the temple began caring for cats in need; monks and cats share daily life, and many cats have found new homes through adoption over the years. It is often called “Neko-dera” (cat temple). This is an active place of practice and worship — visit quietly and observe the cats from a respectful distance. Cat numbers change; the temple has also paused taking in new cats at times to keep care sustainable. Check Facebook for the latest before you go.
How to get to Gotanjoji Cat Temple
By car: about 5–10 minutes from Takefu IC on the Hokuriku Expressway (parking on site).
By train: from Hapiline Fukui Takefu Station, a taxi takes about 10–15 minutes. From Hokuriku Shinkansen Echizen-Takefu Station, a taxi or rental car is about 5 minutes. Local buses toward the Ote stop exist but run infrequently — check the timetable before relying on them.
Grounds are generally open for daytime visits (around 8:00–17:00; confirm before you go). Free to visit. This is a working temple — keep voices low and follow any posted rules about the cats.
- Reach Takefu Station (Hapiline Fukui) or Echizen-Takefu Station (Hokuriku Shinkansen).
- Take a taxi (about 5–15 minutes depending on the station) or drive from Takefu IC (about 5–10 minutes).
- Visit Gotanjoji quietly — look for the temple cats on the grounds without chasing or feeding unless staff invite you to.
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