10/31/2026
Japan in May: Tokyo
Being a cat lover, I just had to visit Gotokuji in a Tokyo neighborhood called Setagaya. Chase chose sleep over exploring so I ventured out solo.
Given it was a Saturday the crowds hadn’t built up yet in Shibuya, so I went to see Hachiko’s statue. He is a very famous Japanese dog. People stand in long lines to get a photo with him. The Japanese adore him- me too but no selfie for me.
There is a wonderful movie about Hachiko. Worth working. He was an akita born in 1923. He was adopted and would accompany his owner everyday to the Shibuya Station, wait for him and accompany him back home at night for 2 years. His owner died suddenly but Hachiko continued to wait for 9 yrs 9 mo for his owner until he died in 1935. Locals fed him and he became world known snd a symbol of loyalty. Every April 8, is the Hachiko festival when people lay flowers and remember this devoted dog.
After paying my respects to Hachiko, I took the train to Setagaya then walked to the temple. All told about 30 min total and a couple of dollars by train.
Setagaya, at least my walk from the train station to the temple, was charming. Quiet and residential. Along the pedestrian path they were having something like a kids fair. Not sure if a regular event or something special but families out with their kids, food trucks, many games and arts&crafts for the kids, and a few vendors. Pretty flowers along the way too- all very cheery.
The temple was crowded with long lines for a cat but worth it. I guess there are lots of us cat lovers. Even as busy as it was it was quiet.
So its really called Daikeizan Gotokuji temple but everyone refers to it as Gotokuji. It is believed to be the birthplace of Maneki Neko, the cat believed to beckon good luck and fortune. You all know this lucky cat- white, with red details and a raised paw. Right paw raised symbolizes good fortune. While left paw raised is suppose to attract customers so why you often see these at shops or restaurants.
There is a cute Lucky Cat train but it wasn’t running the day I went.
The temple is filled with Lucky Cat statues. People leave them for good fortune. The sweetest thing were the cats left in memory of loved cats. Some even leave photos there of their fur babies. I bought a small Maneki Neko to bring home ( which when wished upon there and brought home will keep good luck with you). They only allow 1 per person and can run out. They also sell wooden Ema which are nice that you can write your wishes on and leave.
I really enjoyed my whole visit to Setagaya and Gotokuji. Just a happy place and worth a visit. I grabbed a delicious grilled corn cob on the way back to the train station for $1. On to more temples….
