Gotokuji Temple Audio Guide
In a quiet residential corner of Setagaya stands Gotokuji, a temple said to be the birthplace of the maneki-neko, the beckoning cat that raises one paw. This audio guide follows the heartwarming legend of a cat that wave…
Taste Japan.
Hear the Story.
Discover Tokyo's landmarks and Japanese food culture with GuideTunes — an audio guide app made for international travelers.
From temples, streets, and historic spots to ramen, sushi, tempura, and local food experiences, GuideTunes helps you understand the stories behind what you see and what you eat.
Make every walk and every meal part of your Tokyo journey.
Welcome to Gotokuji Temple
Welcome to Gotokuji. This is a green, tranquil temple set within a quiet residential neighborhood of Setagaya, in western Tokyo. A little apart from the bustle of the city center, pass through the gate and a gentle kind of time flows through grounds framed by trees. Gotokuji is said to be one of the birthplaces of a lucky charm loved by people all over the world — yes, the beckoning cat, one little paw raised. In one corner of the grounds, countless white beckoning cats of every size stand offered in rows, a sight that can't help but soften your face into a smile. Visitors leave a cat with a wish, and new visitors come to invite good fortune of their own — a heartwarming cycle that continues to this day. For locals, it is a place of everyday prayer. For travelers, it is a special corner where you can gently meet Japan's culture of inviting good fortune. For the next little while, let's trace the stories tied to this temple. Let's begin with how the beckoning cat came to be — with the warm little tale handed down at this temple.
What you'll hear on site
- The Legend of the Beckoning Cat ¥500 · 7 days
- The Shofukuden and a Thousand Cats ¥500 · 7 days
- How to Receive a Beckoning Cat ¥500 · 7 days
- The Grave of Ii Naosuke ¥500 · 7 days
- The Three-Story Pagoda ¥500 · 7 days
- The Setagaya Tram Line ¥500 · 7 days
- Walking the Gotokuji Neighborhood ¥500 · 7 days
Unlock all stops for 7 days — ¥500 / 7 days
Open in the GuideTunes app