I love cats. Actually, they are one of my favourite animals. So, when I heard Japan had a temple devoted to cats, I knew I had to visit. The cat temple is in Setagaya, Tokyo.
The Gotokuji is Buddhist temple said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko. Otherwise known as the lucky cat. It is a short walk from the station and such a great place to visit with its old wooden buildings and its authentic atmosphere. There are beautiful maple trees whose leaves become bright red in autumn. These leaves line the entrance to the temple. Momiji is the Japanese word for these red leaves.
Walking into the temple grounds, you might be lucky enough to see the beautiful red leaves on show. The temple is one of a kind with cat statues and the many little cat figurines. The little cats are carefully placed on the shelves. You can visit the temple shop and purchase small cat figurines.
The little cats were so cute and I couldn’t resist. I ended up buying two and placed one on the shelf to stay at the temple and took one home to put in my house. I hope these little maneki-neko can bring good luck!
In summary, if you’re a cat lover, the Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo is a must-visit attraction that is sure to delight. From its breathtaking maple trees to its charming cat figurines, this temple is a perfect blend of culture, history, and feline charm.
I’ve never heard of this temple. It truly looks like a must see spot for all cat lovers.