Tokyo's Adorable Temple Full of Lucky Cats—Gotokuji Temple

📍 Location Gotokuji Temple Address: 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya City, Tokyo Highlights: Known for its countless lucky cat statues scattered throughout the temple grounds, Gotokuji is affectionately called the "Cat Temple." It is an ancient temple of the Sōtō Zen sect and is said to be the birthplace of the lucky cat tradition. The temple also houses the graves of the Ii family ancestors, including Ii Naosuke from the Edo period. ⸻ 🚃 How to Get There (from Sangenjaya) 1. Take the Tokyu Setagaya Line local train from Sangenjaya Station. It's a 7-stop, approximately 12-minute ride costing 160 yen. 2. Get off at **Yamashita Station**, then walk about 6 minutes (approximately 550 meters) to reach Gotokuji Temple. Tip: The Setagaya Line trains have only two cars and limited space, so it's best to avoid peak hours. On the way from Yamashita Station to the temple gate, you'll pass several handmade lucky cat shops—take your time to explore them. ⸻ 📝 Personal Experience Walking up the stone-paved steps into the temple, I was immediately surrounded by thousands of lucky cats—big ones, small ones, wooden ones, ceramic ones—all seemingly waving at me. The temple grounds are lush with greenery, and the three-story pagoda stands serenely, creating a tranquil and profound atmosphere. I took a moment to sit on a stone bench in front of the "Hall of Happiness," watching visitors hold ema plaques and make wishes to the cat deity. I also enjoyed a bowl of rich matcha at the tea house, listening to the sound of the wind rustling through the treetops—it was unexpectedly relaxing. Don't miss picking out a lucky cat from the gift shop to take home; it's said to bring good fortune when placed on your desk or in your wallet. As I left, the setting sun quietly painted the temple gate in hues of red, and the shadows of the lucky cats stretched across the stone steps, as if they were waving one last goodbye, blessing your future journey. From the coffee-scented alleys of Sangenjaya to this serene Buddhist temple, the trip offers a delightful mix of urban charm and rural Zen—a perfect choice for a one-day getaway on the outskirts of Tokyo.