The lucky cats at Gotokuji Temple are actually only in the Manekineko Hall. In other areas of the temple, you can have fun looking for hidden cats here and there. The hall is packed with tons of lucky cats, so I was a little worried it might feel overwhelming, but it was much better than I expected. I came especially early because I wanted to buy a lucky cat, but unfortunately they were already sold out. Instead, I took the ginkgo trees next to the hall and the cat sunbathing nearby as unexpected little highlights of this visit.
Gotokuji Temple | Review by Holly
Other Reviews by Holly
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Samuhara Shrine
A quietly standing shrine in Osaka City's business district. Said to have its roots in Samuhara-sha Okunomiya, located deep in the mountains of Kamo, Tsuyama City, Okayama Prefecture, it enshrines the three creator deities known as Zoka Sanshin: Amenominakanushi-no-Okami, Takamimusubi-no-Okami, and Kamimusubi-no-Okami, who are said to have created all things.
One of the most famous items offered at Samuhara Shrine is the ring-shaped “Goshinkan Mamori.” Before the pandemic, you had to try your luck at the shrine office and could only get one if it was in stock, so they often ran out quickly. After the pandemic, they switched to an application system, with an offering of at least JPY 10,000, and a domestic Japanese address is required. Since they are made to order, there is also a wait before completion. Even so, they remain extremely popular, so as of August 2026, new production applications are temporarily suspended.
I had visited Samuhara Shrine before the pandemic, and the amulet I received then was also the one I kept with me the longest. During the pandemic, many people around me tested positive one after another. I even worked closely with someone who tested positive for two or three days, and everyone took turns taking long periods off, but I stayed safe the whole time. There was a period when I was coughing badly, but all my rapid tests were negative. There were also several moments when it looked like a serious traffic accident was about to happen, but I somehow managed to avoid them each time. I never knew my reaction speed could rival an athlete’s. Looking back now, it still feels incredible.
Of course, these things may not really have been directly related to divine protection, and there may have been some psychological effect, but for me, they definitely left me with the feeling that I had somehow been protected all along.
So when I came to Osaka again after the pandemic, I made a special trip back to give thanks, return the old amulet that had been with me for years, and receive a new one, hoping to continue living safely and smoothly, free from illness and misfortune. -
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Meoto Iwa (Ise, Mie Prefecture)
Futamiura's coastline is famous for the Meoto Iwa (Married Rocks) - two large rocks, one 9 meters tall and the other 4 meters, standing side by side like a couple, symbolizing marital harmony. This famed destination draws women and couples seeking good relationships. Located 700 meters offshore, the Oki-no-shima (a sacred stone) and a torii gate are seen as places to worship the sunrise, attracting devotion since ancient times. The rocks can be viewed from the approach to Futami Okitama Shrine.
What I most wanted to see was the sunrise between the Meoto Iwa. This view isn't visible year-round, only around May to July each year, with the best time being around the summer solstice. If you're lucky and the weather and visibility are good enough, you may even see the distant Mount Fuji overlapping with the rising sun.
However, the biggest problem with seeing the sunrise is transportation. Sunrise is very early, and it's basically impossible to get there from central Ise by public transportation. The more practical option is to stay near Futamiura the night before, but accommodations in the area are limited. Since my trip was very last-minute, I couldn't find anywhere I liked, so I had to give up on the sunrise for now. Instead, I went to worship in the afternoon and also visited the nearby Hinjitsukan, which was originally a lodging for members of Japan's Imperial Family when they visited Ise Jingu. I have to say, a royal inn really does have a different presence. -
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Ise Jingu
Known affectionately as "Oise-san," the shrine is usually called "Ise Jingu-Shrine," but officially, it is called "Jingu-Shrine".
Ise Jingu is mainly divided into the Outer Shrine and Inner Shrine. The traditional order of worship is “Outer Shrine first, then Inner Shrine,” but if you only have time for a day trip, most travelers usually prioritize the livelier Inner Shrine, since afterward they can go straight to Okage Yokocho. However, the Outer Shrine is closer to Iseshi Station and can be reached on foot. Since there are fewer visitors, walking among the tall trees in the sacred grounds is very relaxing. Compared with the liveliness of the Inner Shrine, the Outer Shrine feels quieter and more serene, allowing you to better sense the gentleness of the deities.
I also highly recommend the Sengukan Museum next to the Outer Shrine. It explains the Shikinen Sengu ceremony, which takes place every 20 years. What makes it especially interesting is the full-scale model of the Outer Shrine’s main sanctuary. Since visitors cannot approach the innermost area of the main sanctuary during an actual visit, seeing the model in the museum helped me better understand the true scale and architectural details of the deities’ dwelling. There are also many exhibits on the tools and craftsmanship used during the rebuilding ceremony. If you are not in a hurry, there are videos to watch as well. I really recommend it.
The Inner Shrine is larger and draws more worshippers than the Outer Shrine. After crossing Uji Bridge, you walk along the Isuzu River toward the main sanctuary, and the entire experience feels more ceremonial. The routes going in and coming back are separated, mainly because the worship route at the Inner Shrine is quite long. Getting there is not a problem, but on the way back I was truly grateful for the Sanshuden rest area. When you get tired, you can sit down and rest, and free drinking water is available inside. There are vending machines if you want another drink, and you can also purchase amulets and other shrine items here.
If your schedule allows, I still highly recommend visiting both the Outer Shrine and Inner Shrine in the traditional order. The Inner Shrine is more impressive and lively, with Okage Yokocho nearby to explore, while the Outer Shrine is much quieter. I actually preferred its forest atmosphere and feeling of worship. The two have completely different atmospheres and character, and only after visiting both can you get a fuller sense of Ise Jingu.
One reminder: the Inner Shrine has coin-operated luggage lockers, but the Outer Shrine does not, so keep that in mind if you have luggage. When I visited, I saw a traveler who had no way to store their luggage and had to drag it along. Since the sacred grounds are covered with gravel, it looked quite difficult. -
