Located in Tokyo’s Setagaya ward, just 5km from the teeming Shibuya Scramble Crossing, Gotokuji Temple offers the perfect haven from Tokyo’s vibrant liveliness.
Known for its unique connection to the Maneki-Neko (the inviting cat model), this Buddhist temple has become a favourite destination, especially for children and cat lovers the world over.
Maneki-Neko is considered by many to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity. It is basically a figurine of a cat sitting upright with one paw raised. And voila, what a stunning sight to behold and admire!
The Gotokuji Temple dates back to the Edo period in Japan (1603 to 1867) and is permeated with mythos. It is said that during the Edo period, a cat once saved a feudal lord of the Hikone Domain, under the Tokugawa shogunate, from a violent thunderstorm. The cat, apparently, invited the feudal lord to the temple gate and saved him from the storm. In gratitude, the feudal lord built the temple for the cat, and from there on, visitors have flocked to Gotokuji to pray for prosperity, and overall well-being.
Usually, the Maneki-Neko is white, as seen at Gotokuji Temple. However, under the influence of Feng Shui, a type of geomancy that uses energy forces to harmonise individuals with their surrounding environment, different colours of Maneki-Neko have emerged over the years, each representing a particular type of luck. Like, red represents protection from illness, black wards off evil spirits, blue represents academic success, pink attracts love, and green promotes health. Interestingly, across East Asia, cats with their left paw raised are believed to bring success in business, making them a regular sight in restaurants and shops.
Maneki-Neko at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo
Gotokuji Temple is not only home to thousands of Maneki-Neko figurines of various sizes but also has prepossessing traditional Japanese architecture, including pagodas adorned with sculptures of the twelve Chinese zodiac animals. Strangely, Gotokuji features a cat alongside a mouse, signifying harmony. Despite the cat losing its place in the Chinese zodiac due to the mouse’s dishonesty (rat pushing the cat into the river), they coexist peacefully here at the temple, adding to the temple’s unusual charm.
Visitors to the temple can buy a lucky cat figurine, make a wish, and place it in the temple. While some choose to take the sculpture home, it is customary to return it to Gotokuji Temple once the wish is fulfilled, as the cat is believed to rightfully belong there.
Gotokuji is indeed a peaceful temple tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, and is a must for anyone who visits Japan’s capital city. Even though the Maneki-Neko statues are the main attraction here, you should not miss the beautifully maintained temple ground and stunning architecture. The landscaping is neat, with scores of maple trees that, during our visit in November, hadn’t changed colour. Early December, mind you, is an incredible time to witness their vibrant tinge.
Once you arrive at the temple, you will forget that you are in a heaving city. The serene ambience at the temple makes it a must-visit spot when you are in Tokyo. The experience is truly unique, and, believe me, you won’t regret taking the time to explore this hidden gem.
Annapurna Madhusudhan, a medical doctor, lives in Tokyo, Japan.
