Setagaya, Japan
Gotokuji Temple
The Tokyo temple famous for countless maneki-neko figurines — and occasional temple cats.
About Gotokuji Temple
A Buddhist temple in Setagaya, Tokyo, widely associated with the origin story of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat). The grounds are filled with rows of white cat figurines left as offerings. Live cats sometimes appear in the temple precincts, but the main draw is the cat-themed culture and quiet atmosphere rather than a large colony.
How to get to Gotokuji Temple
From Odakyu Gotokuji Station, walk about 15 minutes. From Tokyu Setagaya Line Miyanosaka Station, walk about 5 minutes — you can also ride the Happiness Maneki-neko Train on that line (see the separate spot on this map; which departures use the cat train varies by day).
Temple grounds are open 6:00–17:00 (temple office 8:00–15:00). Live cats may or may not be present. This is an active temple — please visit quietly.
- Get off at Odakyu Line Gotokuji Station and walk about 15 minutes.
- Get off at Tokyu Setagaya Line Miyanosaka Station and walk about 5 minutes. Miyanosaka is your best chance to catch the Happiness Maneki-neko Train.
- Explore the temple grounds — look for maneki-neko figurines and, if you are lucky, a live cat.
Location & map
Open in Google MapsGotokuji Temple Walking Map
Temple grounds and nearby spots. Miyanosaka Station on the Setagaya Line is within walking distance. The main highlight is the rows of maneki-neko figurines. Please visit quietly — do not feed or disturb any cats. Locations are approximate. For access from Odakyu Gotokuji Station, see the access section above.
Gotokuji Spot Guide
Visited August 2026
August 12, 2026 — visited after the rain, just after a typhoon. I didn’t find a live cat, but I was able to take photos of the maneki-neko offering shelves and the quiet temple grounds at a slow pace. There are also cat-related shops around Gotokuji Station — worth a stop if you love cats.
Nearby cat spots
Happiness Maneki-neko Train (Tokyu Setagaya Line)
Setagaya, Japan
A cat-themed wrapping train running the full Tokyu Setagaya Line — Miyanosaka Station is the nearest stop to Gotokuji Temple.
Yanaka
Taito, Japan
A historic Tokyo neighborhood where cats are part of everyday street life — especially around Yanaka Ginza and the cemetery paths.
Imado Shrine
Taito, Japan
A Tokyo shrine said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko — with cat-themed charms and occasional feline visitors.
Enoshima
Fujisawa, Japan
A popular seaside island near Tokyo — famous for shrines, views, and seafood, with cats often seen in the lanes.
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