There is a cat temple in Tokyo, and we can’t keep calm!

In Setagaya district of Tokyo lies a spectacular Gotokuji Temple, which is also popularly known as the Cat Temple of Tokyo. It’s beautiful and weird at the same time as in this Buddhist temple you’ll get to see countless idols of cats. Yes, you read that correct. It is because the place is considered as the birthplace of the maneki-neko or beckoning cat, which is considered a good luck charm.
Legend related to the temple


It is believed that during the Edo period (the final era of traditional Japanese government), there was a cat that helped Gotokuji Temple’s priest and his servants from a thunderstorm. The cat beckoned lord and his servants to safety with a waving gesture and that’s the reason you’ll see all cats statues have their one paw raised. While it rained outside, the lord enjoyed tea with the priest and later the lord gave rice and land as a gesture of thanks.
Today, people can witness a number of cat statues put on display surrounding a figurine of the goddess of mercy, Kannon. The temple grounds are dotted with cat statues. Besides, there are several cat-related art on the streets around the temple.These cat statues are considered extremely lucky and are widely famous for bringing good luck and prosperity.

How to reach?


Gotokuji Temple is located in a quiet neighbourhood of Setagaya district. The temple can be reached easily from central Tokyo. Reach Shinjuku station, then move towards the Odakyu line Hon-Atsugi direction that will lead you directly to the Gotokuji station, which will take around 30 minutes. The temple of Gotokuji is less barely a few minutes walk from the station. The temple remains open for visitors every day between 6 AM and 6 PM.