Aerial view showcasing the historic Zojoji Temple surrounded by lush greenery in Tokyo, Japan.Culture · Hidden gem

Gōtokuji

豪徳寺

Setagaya, Tokyo · 東京

The temple that claims the origin of the maneki-neko, where visitors leave a white cat figure after a wish is granted. They have accumulated in banked rows.

Why it’s worth it

It is unexpectedly moving — every cat on those shelves is somebody’s answered wish. Quiet, free, and a fifteen-minute train from Shinjuku.

CategoryCulture
AreaSetagaya
Hours06:00–18:00
Hidden gemcatstemplemaneki-neko

Nearby

Walking distance from Gōtokuji

All of Tokyo

More culture

Shrines, palaces and quiet rooms

Photo by Vinny Anugraha on Pexels