Gotoku-ji Temple

In short

Located in Setagaya Ward, this Soto Zen temple was the family temple in Edo of the Ii clan, the lords of the Hikone Domain. A legend tells that Ii Naotaka avoided a thunderstorm after being beckoned by a cat at the temple gate, leading to a theory that this temple is the birthplace of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat).

• ​Shofukuden and the Shofuku-neko​​: At Gotoku-ji Temple, the beckoning cat is called "Shofuku-neko" (fortune-inviting cat), and rows of Shofuku-neko of various sizes offered by visitors line the area.
• ​Three-Story Pagoda with Cats​​: Completed in 2006, this three-story pagoda is decorated with the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac as well as several cats.
• ​The Ii Clan Gravesite​​: A gravesite designated as a National Historic Site, where the tombs of successive domain lords and their principal wives are lined up, including that of the late-Edo period Chief Minister (Tairo) Ii Naosuke.

History and Highlights

​Gotoku-ji Temple​ is a Soto Zen temple located in Setagaya Ward. It is said to have begun in 1480 as a hermitage called "Kotoku-in," built by Kira Masatada, the lord of Setagaya Castle, for his aunt. When Setagaya became part of the Hikone Domain territory in 1633, the Ii family designated Kotoku-in as their family temple in Edo. In 1659, the temple was renamed Gotoku-ji after the posthumous Buddhist name of the second-generation domain lord, Ii Naotaka.

A legend about a beckoning cat has been passed down at the temple. One day, a feudal lord passing by on his way back from falconry stopped by the temple after being beckoned by a cat at the gate. Suddenly, thunder rumbled and rain began to pour. Having avoided the thunderstorm and enjoyed conversing with the head priest, the lord was reportedly deeply moved by this good fortune. This lord was Ii Naotaka. Based on this tale, there is a theory that Gotoku-ji Temple is the birthplace of the maneki-neko.

Within the temple grounds, there are the Butsuden (Buddha Hall) built in 1677, and the oldest bonsho (temple bell) in the ward, cast in 1679. The pine-lined approach extending from the stone gate to the sanmon gate is also a highlight.

Highlights for Visitors

• ​Shofukuden and the Shofuku-neko​​: At Gotoku-ji Temple, the cat that invited good fortune is called "Shofuku-neko," and the Shofukuden hall was built to enshrine it. Beside it, an array of Shofuku-neko of various sizes, dedicated after wishes came true, stand in rows. The Shofuku-neko of Gotoku-ji Temple are characterized by not holding an oval gold coin (koban) and having their right paw raised.
• ​Three-Story Pagoda with Cats​​: This 22.5-meter-high three-story pagoda was completed in 2006. Along with the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac, several cats adorn the pagoda. Looking closely, the figure of a beckoning cat can also be found where the "Ne" (Rat) of the zodiac is located.
• ​The Ii Clan Gravesite​​: In this cemetery, the tombs of successive lords and their principal wives stand, including those of the late-Edo Chief Minister and 13th lord Ii Naosuke, and the 2nd lord Naotaka. Six domain lords were buried at Gotoku-ji Temple. Together with sites such as Seiryo-ji Temple in Hikone, it was designated as a National Historic Site in 2008 as the "Hikone Domain Ii Clan Gravesite."

Tips for Visitors

It is about a 5-minute walk from Miyanosaka Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line. At the three-story pagoda, walk around the structure while searching for the cats hidden among the twelve zodiac animals. The temple office offers Shofuku-neko figurines, amulets, and more. Shoin-jinja Shrine is located approximately 810 meters in a straight line to the east, and the Daikan Residence is about 790 meters to the south.