Gotokuji Temple

A Soto school temple situated in Setagaya ward and the birthplace of Manekineko. In 1480, Masatada Kira, a lord of Setagaya, established a temple called Kotokuin, in 1659, the temple’s name was changed to Gotokuji. This temple was designated as Bodaiji (a temple which takes care of a family’s dead, giving them burital and performing ceremonies their souls) for the lord of Hikone clan, the Ii family, the Ii family’s grave from generation to generation and many cultural heritages connecting to the family are placed on the ground.

The connection of the temple to the Ii family comes from a cat. One day, when the lord of Hikone clan, Naotaka Ii, was walking in front of the temple, a cat beckoned him, so Naotaka entered the temple, which helped him to be caught in a shower. Naotaka was so happy with the cat's help and decided to repair the temple, he kept supporting the temple later.

The cat bringing good luck to Gotokuji has been called Manekineko and enshrined in the temple as well as many figures of cats on the ground. Over 1,000 figures dedicated by worshippers are placed in the temple office and the 3-storey pagoda is decorated with carved cats and the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac. Enjoy walking and you can find cats at many places on the ground.