Tokyo's Alternative Cat-Spotting Tour - Gotokuji Temple

I've always loved Maneki-neko (beckoning cats), so I've always wanted to visit Gotokuji Temple, the Maneki-neko shrine. It takes over an hour to get there from Ueno, but you can take the Toden Arakawa Line, which I've never taken before. Gotokuji Temple is bigger than I imagined, much larger than Asakusa's Imado Shrine, which is also a Maneki-neko shrine. As soon as you enter and follow the crowd, you'll see thousands of Maneki-neko. There are so many because people take them home after making a wish, and once their wish is granted, they bring them back to the temple and pray for a new Maneki-neko. Over time, this has led to the accumulation of so many Maneki-neko at Gotokuji Temple. After admiring and taking photos of the Maneki-neko, don't forget to buy one to bring home for good fortune. The sizes range from as small as a mahjong tile to larger than an A4 sheet, and some sizes even sell out. You might also spot real cats around the shop, which many tourists love to photograph and play with. They are truly the living Maneki-neko of this temple!