Gotokuji Temple: Maneki-neko Origin & Cat Day Feb 22
Tokyo Mate
Everything you need to know about Cat Day on February 22 — from the history of Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo, the origin of maneki-neko, nationally designated historic sites, the three-story pagoda, how to get there, and goods information.
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This is Tokyo Mate, bringing you charming stories from Tokyo.
In honor of February 22, Japan's Cat Day (Neko no Hi), we'd like to introduce Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya — widely known as the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat).
This is a visitor's guide compiled with the latest information, so keep it handy when planning your trip.
Besides Gotokuji, Tokyo has other neighborhoods where you can meet cats.
👉 Yanaka Ginza Tokyo | How to Get There, Menchi Katsu & Yuyake Dandan Honest Review
Why Is February 22 Cat Day?
February 22 is Japan's Cat Day (Neko no Hi).
The Japanese pronunciation of the number 2 — ni — sounds similar to the Japanese cat meow nyan. Since the number 2 appears three times on February 22, it became "Nyan Nyan Nyan Day."
- History: In 1987, the Japan Pet Food Association officially established this day to celebrate the joy of living with cats.
- Atmosphere: Every February, convenience stores and department stores across Japan release limited-edition cat-themed desserts and goods, creating a festive atmosphere.
Cat-related spending has become such a significant economic phenomenon in Japan that it's even called "Nekonomics" (the cat economy effect).
If you're planning a Tokyo trip around this time, there's one place you absolutely cannot miss — Gotokuji Temple, the undisputed number one cat destination in Tokyo and the birthplace of maneki-neko.
What Is Gotokuji Temple?
The formal name is Daikeisan Gotokuji (大谿山 豪徳寺). It is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple located in Setagaya, Tokyo.
As the family temple of the Ii clan — lords of the Hikone domain — Gotokuji is recognized for its well-preserved Edo-period daimyo burial grounds.
Timeline of Gotokuji
- 1480: Founded as Kotokuin (弘徳院)
- 1633: Designated as the Ii family's bodaiji (family temple)
- 1659: Renamed to "Gotokuji" after Ii Naotaka's posthumous Buddhist name
- 2008: Registered as a nationally designated historic site
A Peaceful Retreat in the Heart of the City
Despite being located right in the middle of Setagaya, stepping through the temple gate immediately greets you with lush greenery.
The towering pine tree-lined path from the entrance to the sanmon gate and the forest where wild birds flock make this the perfect place to escape the city noise and soak in the tranquil temple atmosphere.
Essential Visitor Information (As of Feb 2026)
Gotokuji Temple has a sprawling grounds with plenty to see, so checking the worship hours and temple office hours in advance is key to making the most of your visit. If you want to buy goods, make sure to note the closing time!
| Worship Hours | 06:00 – 17:00 |
| Temple Office (Shop) | 08:00 – 15:00 (closes early!) |
| Admission | Free |
| Address | 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo |
Must-Read Before Your Visit!
The temple office that sells maneki-neko figurines, ema (wish plaques), and charms closes at 3:00 PM. If you only think about the worship closing time and arrive late, you won't be able to bring home a cute cat figurine. We recommend arriving by 2:30 PM at the latest!
February in Tokyo can be quite chilly in the mornings and evenings. Since Gotokuji has spacious grounds requiring lots of outdoor time, make sure to dress warmly.
👉 Tokyo February Weather & What to Wear | Complete Outfit Guide
How to Get to Gotokuji (Public Transportation)
There are two main routes from central Tokyo to Gotokuji. Choose based on where your hotel is or what fits your itinerary best.
If the Setagaya Line and Odakyu Line routes seem confusing, save a subway route map in advance.
👉 Tokyo Subway Map PDF Download | Complete Guide to Reading the Route Map
1. Tokyu Setagaya Line (The Scenic Route)
- Route: Shibuya Station → Sangen-jaya Station, then transfer to Setagaya Line → Miyanosaka Station
- Get off at: Miyanosaka Station (宮の坂駅), 5-minute walk to the temple
- Highlights: Transfer to the tram at Sangen-jaya. If you're lucky, you can ride the cat-wrapped tram — Gotokuji's signature attraction. This is the most popular route among cat lovers, and it's also the closest to the temple.
2. Odakyu Line (The Fast & Convenient Route)
- Route: Shinjuku Station → Gotokuji Station
- Get off at: Gotokuji Station (豪徳寺駅), 15-minute walk to the temple
- Highlights: Only 15–20 minutes from Shinjuku Station, offering excellent accessibility. The walk from the station to the temple passes through charming cat-themed shops, and there's a maneki-neko stone statue right outside the station.
The Legend That Started with One Cat
While returning from a falconry hunt, Lord Ii Naotaka was passing by the temple when a cat beckoned to him.
As soon as he stepped inside the temple grounds, a sudden downpour struck — saving him from a lightning bolt.
The grateful lord rebuilt the temple and enshrined that cat as Shofukuneko (招福猫児) — the cat that invites good fortune.
This is the origin of the maneki-neko.
Why Doesn’t the Gotokuji Cat Hold a Coin?
The maneki-neko we commonly see holds a gold coin (koban), but the Gotokuji maneki-neko does not hold one.
✔️ Only the right paw is raised
✔️ It beckons not wealth, but "good connections" (en)
The teaching behind this is that completing one's fortune ultimately depends on one's own effort.
Must-See Highlights at Gotokuji
1. Shofukuden & Maneki-neko Offering Area
The spectacular sight of thousands of maneki-neko figurines lined up in rows is a scene you can only witness here. These are figurines returned by visitors whose wishes came true, making the sight even more meaningful.
2. Three-Story Pagoda — Hidden Cat Hunt
This beautiful wooden pagoda, completed in 2006, stands 22.5 meters tall. Each tier features zodiac animal carvings, and if you look closely, you'll find cats hiding among them — despite not being part of the traditional twelve zodiac animals. The scene where a cat sits peacefully alongside the rat (mouse) zodiac carving is a special sight unique to Gotokuji.
Visiting Tips
- Suggested route: Sanmon (entrance) → Pine tree path → Three-story pagoda → Shofukuden (maneki-neko) → Main hall → Temple office (buy goods)
- Seasonal beauty: Cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and crimson autumn leaves create a stunning contrast with the maneki-neko throughout the year.
- Temple etiquette: The temple grounds are a place of practice, so please refrain from making loud noise or touching the maneki-neko figurines.
Cherry blossoms at Gotokuji typically reach full bloom from late March to early April.
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Gotokuji Exclusive Goods & Lucky Ema (Shopping List)
The highlight of a Gotokuji visit is bringing home your own maneki-neko! Here are the popular items available at the temple office.
Recommended Goods List
- Maneki-neko figurines: Available in all sizes from the smallest (around 500 yen ~) to large.
- Cat ema (wish plaques): Each year features a charming design with the zodiac animal and a cat together.
- Maneki-neko charms (omamori): Compact cat-embroidered charms that fit perfectly in a bag or wallet. The maneki-neko charm for good fortune is also popular as a gift.
- Goshuin (temple stamp): The unique goshuin with a maneki-neko stamp is a must-have for stamp collectors.
FAQ — Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is there an admission fee?
A. Visiting Gotokuji Temple grounds is completely free.
Q2. Can you meet real cats there?
A. Yes! You might encounter real stray cats strolling around the temple grounds. Meeting a real-life maneki-neko is said to bring good luck.
Q3. Can I pay by card for cat souvenirs?
A. There is a separate vending machine that accepts card payments. Lines are divided based on the payment method.
February 22, Japan's Cat Day.
If you're in Tokyo, step away from the busy streets and pause for a moment at Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya.
Hundreds of maneki-neko raising their right paws might just beckon good connections your way.
Related Tokyo Travel Guides
Shimokitazawa is just 2 stations from Gotokuji — a perfect pairing for an afternoon of vintage shopping and charming cafes.
👉 Shimokitazawa Tokyo Travel Guide | Vintage Shops, Cafes & Must-Visit Spots
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