Gotokuji
東京都
Founded in 1480 by Kira Masatada, this Soto Zen temple became the Ii clan's family temple — the legend of a beckoning cat saving its master gave rise to the thousands of white maneki-neko votive figures offered here.
Founded
1480
Type
Temple
Visited
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Access
10 min walk from Odakyu Gotokuji Station
Gotokuji 2-24-7, Setagaya-ku
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Overview
A Soto Zen temple famous as the birthplace of maneki-neko (beckoning cat). Founded in 1480 by Kira Masatada. It became the family temple of the Hikone domain's Ii clan in the Edo period; the graves of successive lords including Ii Naosuke stand in the precinct. A legend of a cat saving its master from a thunderstorm gave rise to the maneki-neko, and thousands of white cat figurines are offered by …
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Origins
Gotokuji Temple was founded in 1480 (Bunmei 12) by Kira Masatada, lord of Setagaya Castle, to pray for the repose of his aunt's soul, and was originally known as Kōtokuin. In the early Edo period, around 1633 (Kan'ei 10), it is said that Ii Naotaka, lord of the Hikone domain, was beckoned by a cat a…
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Divine Benefits
Warding Off Evil
Purification
Rebirth in Pure Land
Averting disaster, directional protection, warding off epidemics. Central at Fudo, Kannon, and Gion-related sites.
Derived from the enshrined deity "釈迦如来"
祭Festivals & Events— 2
祭
8月
13
Gotokuji Temple Obon Observance
Obon observances at Gotokuji, famous as the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat). Ancestral memorial services are held at this noted Soto Zen temple, which takes on a quiet, reflective atmosphere during the summer Obon season.
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Visiting Information
Hours
Visiting hours 6:00 AM–5:00 PM (temple office reception 8:00 AM–3:00 PM). No closed days listed.
Admission
No admission fee found; grounds and the Shobyoden maneki-neko hall are freely accessible
As of 2026-07-19. Subject to change.
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Mitsuzoin (Sakurajosui)
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Chotokuji (Setagaya)
Renowned Kira-clan temple founded 1480 by Kira Masatada; origin of the maneki-neko and bodaiji of the Ii clan
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