Gotokuji Temple, One of the Birthplaces of the Maneki-neko | Highlights, Access, and Model Course Guide

Gotokuji Temple traces its origins to Kotokuin, founded in 1480 by Kira Masatada, lord of Setagaya Castle.
It was originally a small hermitage belonging to the Rinzai school of Buddhism, but in 1584 it became a Soto Zen temple. In 1633, Setagaya became part of the Hikone Domain, and the Ii clan, lords of the domain, designated the temple as their Edo family temple.
A turning point came with the story that Ii Naotaka, the second lord of the domain, was returning from falconry when a white cat at the temple beckoned to him, allowing him to avoid a thunderstorm.
Because of this connection, Naotaka protected the temple, and after his death, it was renamed Gotokuji in 1659 after his posthumous Buddhist name.
The temple later developed buildings suitable for the family temple of a daimyo clan and remains so today.
In addition, the Ii Family Graveyard on the grounds preserves the form of an Edo-period daimyo graveyard well and is the largest National Historic Site in the surrounding area.

Shofukuden, a good-luck spot connected to the maneki-neko, is the place that symbolizes Gotokuji Temple.
Based on the story of the white cat mentioned above, this hall enshrines the Shofuku-neko, a beckoning cat cherished as a bringer of good fortune, and worshippers continuously visit to pray for household safety, business prosperity, and good luck.
Around it, white maneki-neko of various sizes are neatly lined up, with thousands of Shofuku-neko offered in gratitude by people whose wishes came true.
The sight is impressive and highly popular among international visitors in particular because it is so photogenic.
Gotokuji Temple’s Shofuku-neko are distinctive in that they do not hold a gold coin and raise only their right paw.
This reflects the idea that the cat does not bring good fortune itself, but instead invites good connections, and whether those connections are used well depends on the person.

The Three-Story Pagoda is a symbol of Gotokuji Temple that stands out on the grounds.
Built in 2006, the pagoda is about 25.5 meters tall and is characterized by an elegant appearance that blends traditional wooden architectural design with modern techniques.
Each level features detailed carvings of peonies, camellias, the twelve zodiac animals, and more. One highlight is a playful touch: a cat and mouse appear together in the position for the “Rat.”
If you look closely at the details, you’ll find several hidden cats, making it fun to search for them as you explore.
The contrast with the temple greenery and seasonal scenery is also attractive, making it a popular photo spot.

As you walk along the approach to Gotokuji Temple, the first thing that welcomes you is the Sanmon Gate at the entrance to the grounds.
Carrying on the style of traditional temple architecture, it serves as the gateway to a temple with a long history and invites visitors into a world of quiet.
The substantial feel unique to wooden architecture and the refined shape of the roof are worth seeing, and they blend well with the historic temple scenery.
The current Sanmon Gate is a four-legged gate rebuilt in the early Showa period, and the characters “Hekiunkan” displayed on its plaque are striking.
It is said to mean “a gate built to separate the outside world from the temple grounds,” and from the moment you pass through it, you may feel the air change and the bustle of the city fade away.

After passing through the Sanmon Gate and continuing along the approach, you’ll come to the Butsuden Hall, the core of Gotokuji Temple.
Built in 1677, it is a Tangible Cultural Property designated by Setagaya City, and is said to have been donated by Sounin, the daughter of Ii Naotaka, to pray for her father’s soul.
The building features a single-story irimoya-style structure with a mokoshi pent roof, and its bronze-colored roof gives it a dignified yet graceful appearance.
A plaque reading “Sanze-butsu” hangs at the front, and inside are seated statues of Amida Nyorai, Shaka Nyorai, and Miroku Bosatsu.
The space where the three Buddhist figures quietly watch over worshippers is filled with a solemn atmosphere. Together with the sound of trees swaying in the wind and birdsong, it conveys the stillness unique to a Zen temple.

The Ii Family Graveyard, located in the back of the grounds, is where successive heads of the Ii family, who served as lords of Hikone Domain, are buried.
Since Gotokuji Temple became the Ii family’s Edo family temple in 1633, the graves of domain lords and family members have been established here, and the site still preserves the appearance of an Edo-period daimyo graveyard.
Because of its high historical value, it has been designated a National Historic Site. The neatly arranged stone monuments and memorial towers still carry an air of dignity despite the passage of many years.
One grave that draws particular attention is that of Ii Naosuke, the tairo, or chief minister, at the end of the Edo period.
You can feel close to the footsteps of this important figure in Japanese history, who led the conclusion of the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and the United States and carried out the Ansei Purge.

IRON COFFEE is a coffee stand quietly located on a corner of the shopping street, just a few minutes on foot from Gotokuji Station.
Its rugged storefront that makes use of iron materials leaves a strong impression, and it serves house-roasted specialty coffee from a compact space of about 10 square meters.
In addition to drip coffee, Americano, and espresso, the extensive lineup includes homemade ginger ale and seasonal drinks, so you can choose according to your taste.
If you’re unsure what to order, the cafe latte, a well-loved standard menu item, is recommended.
Takeout is also available, making it a convenient stop during a stroll around Gotokuji.

RARASAND, located on Gotokuji Shopping Street, is a cafe and gallery with a Japanese-modern atmosphere.
Inside, you’ll find crafts, general goods, and artworks, offering a chance to experience Japanese craftsmanship.
Its signature item is the assertively named “Monaka That Stands Out Too Much,” a maneki-neko-shaped monaka filled with sweet bean paste after each order.
In addition to its cute, social media-friendly appearance, you can enjoy its crisp texture and authentic flavor.
With a shelf life of about three months, it is also recommended as a small gift that suits Gotokuji, a place connected to the maneki-neko.
At the cafe, popular items include the “Matcha and Maneki-neko Monaka Set” and the ningyo-yaki cake “Shofuku-yaki,” which has been featured in many media outlets.

AMAZING COFFEE is a coffee shop produced by TETSUYA, a performer from EXILE.
The Gotokuji location, which had its grand opening in 2024, is a special shop equipped with the brand’s first roastery and eat-in space.
With the wish that “AMAZING COFFEE can keep moving toward the future,” its colorful interior design is based on a train concept.
You can enjoy a pop and playful world, while the friendly service will brighten your mood.
A popular menu item is the Gotokuji-exclusive Maneki-neko Latte, inspired by maneki-neko and made with kinako roasted soybean flour and brown sugar.
This Japanese-style cafe latte feels very Gotokuji in both appearance and taste, offering a satisfying cup.

Setagaya Hachimangu Shrine has long been cherished as the guardian shrine of Setagaya.
It is a shrine with a distinguished history, said to have begun when Minamoto no Yoshiie gave thanks to Hachiman Okami for protection that led to victory in the Later Three-Year War, and enshrined the Hachiman deity after returning home.
The area is wrapped in a calm atmosphere, creating a place of rest where you can feel quiet and sacredness despite being in the city.
There are many highlights that tell of its history, including the large torii gate, stately shrine buildings, and Benten Pond. It is also visited by worshippers seeking blessings for success in competition and victory.
The grounds also retain a sumo ring once known as one of the Three Edo Sumo sites, and dedication sumo is held during the annual fall festival, passing down traditional culture that still lives on in the local community.

Sakura Jingu Shrine was founded in 1882 in Tokyo’s Kanda district to revive the ancient Shinto traditions passed down since old times. Ancient Shinto refers to beliefs that arose naturally in Japan in ancient times. Unlike the “two bows, two claps, one bow” worship method used at many shrines, the official practice here is “two bows, four claps, one bow.”
Because it enshrines many deities that appear in Japanese mythology, it is said to offer blessings for all kinds of wishes.

Hanegi Park sits on a small hill in a residential area and is planted with about 650 plum trees in 60 varieties, creating a splendid plum grove. The Plum Festival, held in this grove from early February to early March, has become a local sign of spring and draws many visitors from farther away as well.
The Play Park, an outdoor play facility, includes open areas where children can play freely and is popular with kids.