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Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo

This temple in Tokyo is a must visit on your trip! It’s in a lovely, quiet area of Tokyo that’s away from the bustling and loud city centre. You can take the train to Gotokuji station and walk around 10-15 minutes to the temple. The walk goes through a residential neighbourhood and has many little cat themed shops as well. The temple is a good size to walk around and look at all the cats, you can also buy one or small souvenirs from the temple shop.#travel #tokyo

Posted: Jul 21, 2025

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Gōtokuji Temple

4.5/582 reviews | Historic buildings

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No. 13 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Tokyo

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10 Cool and Quirky Things to Do in Tokyo! ✴️🗺 Tokyo is a city that thrives on surprises, blending modern skyscrapers with ancient traditions. Let's step off the beaten path and dive into unusual experiences that reveal its rich history and quirky spirit. From parasite museums to beckoning cat temples, this guide reveals 10 unique and unusual activities ideal for adventurous souls seeking a fresh perspective on this dynamic city. Let’s have fun! 1️⃣ Meguro Parasitological Museum ➜ What It Is A one-of-a-kind museum dedicated to parasites, located at 4-1-1 Shimomeguro, Meguro-ku (a short walk from Meguro Station on the JR Yamanote Line). ➜ Why It’s Fun Its bizarre collection of preserved specimens, including an 8.8-meter tapeworm, offers a thrilling, educational dive into the microscopic world, perfect for science enthusiasts and those craving a delightfully gross-out experience. ➜ The Story Founded in 1953 by Dr. Satoru Kamegai to promote parasitology research, the museum houses over 60,000 items collected from around the world. It began as a private endeavor and grew into a public institution, reflecting Tokyo's post-war scientific curiosity and commitment to unconventional education. 🔴 Note: Not for the squeamish; no photography inside, and it's small, so plan for 30-60 minutes. 2️⃣ Gotokuji Temple ➜ What It Is A serene Buddhist temple famed for its thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figurines, situated at 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku (right next to Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line). ➜ Why It’s Fun Wandering among rows of lucky cats in various sizes creates a whimsical, photo-perfect scene, inviting visitors to purchase and dedicate their own for good fortune in a peaceful garden setting. ➜ The Story Dating back to the Edo period in 1615, the temple is said to be the origin of the maneki-neko legend, where a cat beckoned a feudal lord to safety during a storm, leading to prosperity; over centuries, it evolved into a site for wish-fulfillment rituals, embodying Tokyo's blend of folklore and everyday superstition. 3️⃣ Yanaka Ginza ➜ What It Is A nostalgic shopping street lined with retro shops and eateries, found in the Yanaka neighborhood (a quick stroll from Nippori Station on the JR Yamanote Line). ➜ Why It’s Fun Sampling street snacks like croquettes or taiyaki while browsing quirky crafts offers a charming, community vibe, like stepping into a Showa-era time capsule for relaxed cultural immersion. ➜ The Story Established post-World War II as a black market hub, Yanaka Ginza survived Tokyo's modernization due to its resilient local spirit; it now preserves old-Tokyo charm amid the city's rapid changes, serving as a haven for artisans and reflecting the area's earthquake-resistant history from 1923. 4️⃣ Showa Kinen National Park ➜ What It Is A sprawling 180-hectare park with vast seasonal flower fields, ponds, and gardens, located in Tachikawa-shi (Keio Line to Tachikawa Station, then a short bus ride to the North Entrance). ➜ Why It’s Fun Renting bikes to zoom through rainbow-hued tulip waves or picnicking by lotus ponds delivers a joyful, expansive nature fix, quirky for its massive, color-coordinated blooms that shift like living art installations. ➜ The Story Originally planned for the 1970 Osaka Expo but opened in 1983 on repurposed military airfield land, the park honors the Showa era's peace and prosperity with diverse zones, from rock gardens to a replica Dutch windmill; it embodies Tokyo's post-war embrace of green spaces as communal healing grounds. 5️⃣ Jimbocho Book Town ➜ What It Is A district crammed with over 150 secondhand bookstores, centered around Jimbocho intersection in Chiyoda-ku (directly at Jimbocho Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line). ➜ Why It’s Fun Hunting for rare volumes on dusty shelves or in cozy cafes turns book browsing into a treasure hunt, ideal for bibliophiles seeking intellectual thrills in a literary labyrinth. ➜ The Story Evolving from the Meiji era in the late 1800s when universities spurred a demand for texts, Jimbocho became Japan's premier book hub; surviving fires and wars, it symbolizes Tokyo's scholarly heritage, with annual festivals celebrating its role in cultural preservation. 6️⃣ Nezu Shrine ➜ What It Is A historic Shinto shrine with a tunnel of vermilion torii gates and azalea gardens, at 1-28-9 Nezu, Bunkyo-ku (steps from Nezu Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line). ➜ Why It’s Fun Strolling the torii path and participating in simple rituals evokes a mystical, immersive vibe, especially during blooming seasons, for serene cultural reflection and stunning shots. ➜ The Story Founded over 1,900 years ago and relocated in 1705 by shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, the shrine survived bombings intact; its azalea festival dates to the Edo period, tying into Tokyo's enduring spiritual traditions amid urban growth. 7️⃣ Kagurazaka ➜ What It Is A hilly neighborhood with cobblestone alleys, geisha houses, and French influences, in Shinjuku-ku (accessible via Kagurazaka Station on the Tozai Line or Iidabashi Station). ➜ Why It’s Fun Exploring hidden teahouses and boutique shops blends old-world charm with modern cafes, offering a sophisticated adventure for foodies and history buffs in a romantic setting. ➜ The Story Once a geisha district in the Edo era from the 1600s, Kagurazaka flourished as an entertainment hub for samurai; post-WWII, it attracted French expats, evolving into a fusion area that mirrors Tokyo's cultural adaptability and layered past. 8️⃣ Nonbei Yokocho ➜ What It Is A narrow alley of tiny, intimate bars known as "Drunkard's Alley," located near Shibuya Station in Shibuya-ku (exit the station toward the Hachiko side and walk east). ➜ Why It’s Fun Squeezing into micro-bars for sake and chats with locals creates a cozy, lively atmosphere, like a secret pub crawl that's authentically Tokyo for social adventurers. ➜ The Story Emerging in the 1950s as a post-war drinking spot for artists and salarymen, Nonbei Yokocho resisted redevelopment; it captures the Showa-era spirit of camaraderie, representing Tokyo's resilient nightlife amid skyscraper booms. 🔴 Tip: Bars open evenings; cash-only, and respect the intimate space—perfect for small groups. 9️⃣ Shiro-Hige's Cream Puff Factory ➜ What It Is A whimsical bakery specializing in Totoro-shaped cream puffs, at 5-3-1 Daita, Setagaya-ku (near Setagaya-Daita Station on the Odakyu Line). ➜ Why It’s Fun Biting into adorable, fluffy pastries inspired by Studio Ghibli films turns snacking into a playful, magical treat, great for fans seeking cute culinary whimsy. ➜ The Story Opened in 2008 by the brother-in-law of Hayao Miyazaki with official Ghibli approval, the shop celebrates Japan's animation heritage; it started as a small venture and grew popular, embodying Tokyo's creative pop culture scene. 🔴 Tip: Weekends get crowded; best in mornings, and they close when sold out. 🔟 Vampire Cafe ➜ What It Is A gothic-themed restaurant with vampire motifs and dramatic decor, in the Ginza district at 6-7-6 Ginza, Chuo-ku (near Ginza Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line). ➜ Why It’s Fun Dining in coffin booths amid red velvet and spooky servers offers a theatrical, immersive escape, ideal for themed food lovers craving a darkly fun night out. ➜ The Story Part of the Diamond Dining chain since the early 2000s, it taps into Japan's fascination with gothic subcultures influenced by anime and Western horror; evolving from novelty to staple, it highlights Tokyo's eccentric dining trends. 🔴 Note: Reservations recommended; not scary for kids, but themed menu might surprise. 💥Ready to dive into Tokyo’s quirkiest corners? These adventures await—share your favorites! #hiddengems #tokyospots #coolplace #tokyo

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