Gotokuji Temple, Tokyo

Gotokuji Temple, located about 50 minutes from Tokyo Station, is famous for its 「Maneki Neko(Lucky Cat)」beckoning cats.

A beckoning cat is a traditional Japanese lucky charm, a figurine of a cat that is believed to invite happiness and prosperity.

Because of its distinctive design and cultural landscape, it is popular not only in Japan but also throughout the world.

The 「Maneki Neko」 is generally posed with its hands raised, with the right hand raised inviting money, and the left hand raised inviting people (customers), and is often seen in restaurants and other stores.

The beckoning cat of Gotokuji Temple introduced here raises its right hand.

The 「Maneki Neko」 at Gotokuji Temple does not hold a koban (an old Japanese currency), which is a common feature of beckoning cats.

The 「Maneki Neko」 invites people and brings “karma” to them, but it does not give them “good fortune.” It is up to the person to make the most of this important “karma,” and if they are grateful, “good fortune” will naturally come to them.

The kanji is written “招き猫” instead of “招福猫児,” but the reading is the same: “Maneki Neko.

The 「Maneki Neko」 is sold at the temple office in Gotokuji Temple, and the sizes range from a very small “bean size” (500 yen) to “R10 size” (7,000 yen), and you can purchase the size you like.

Since you can choose the size, it is just right for souvenirs, and some sizes can fit in a bag.

Please note, however, that only one item can be purchased per person. Some sizes may be sold out.

In addition to the 「Maneki Neko」 itself, key chains and eco-bags with a beckoning cat motif are also available for purchase, so if you want to buy a casual souvenir, we recommend you go there.
It is customary to welcome a「Maneki Neko」with a wish and return it to Gotokuji Temple when the wish is granted.

There is a special space lined with many dedicated「Maneki Neko」, and they are a sight to behold and very cute!

It is recommended as a photo spot, but be careful because the space is very small.

You can feel that this is a space of good luck because they are all 「Maneki Neko」 that have granted someone’s wish.