Tokyo’s Lucky Cat Temple: Gotokuji Discover Oishii Japan -SAVOR JAPAN -Japanese Restaurant Reservation Guide-

Update-Date: Jul 11, 2025

Author: Sydney Seekford

Gotokuji is the lucky cat temple in Tokyo. One of the most direct access routes, the Setagaya Line, even has a maneki-neko themed train in its honor! Visit this popular temple in suburban Tokyo, then enjoy dinner nearby for a memorable izakaya experience. The combination of kawaii culture, history, and spiritualism at this spot is sure to work up your appetite for authentic Japanese food that locals love.

Sydney Seekford

Gourmet Creator

American living in Japan since 2022. Food writer and gourmet content creator for Japan’s most well known food media. Founder of menu translation and language support service MENUWIZ. Work history includes copywriting for booking platforms, video and media production and appearances, and consulting in F&B for household brands. Passionate about regional revitalization and slow tourism with a focus on local food culture.

Where is the Lucky Cat Temple, Gotokuji?

Just southwest of Shibuya, Setagaya Ward is home to many trendy neighborhoods and old universities. It’s where Tokyo’s oldest flea market is held and has the city’s last tramway, the Setagaya line.

Gotokuji Temple is located close to Miya no Saka on the Setagaya line or a short walk from Gotokuji station on the Odakyu line.

The temple is located in an otherwise quiet and suburban part of Tokyo that many visitors find charming. This temple combines many of people’s favorite things about Japan: History, cuteness, and local gems.

Why is Gotokuji Famous?

Gotokuji became famous for its striking collection of white maneki-neko. Guests purchase maneki neko for good luck and make a wish, then place their statue among the others in a special corner of the temple. Obviously, these cats are meaningful totems of people’s dreams, but they are also a cute photo opportunity.

Legend has it that in the early 1600s, a powerful lord of the Ii (“eee”) clan was caught in a terrible rainstorm and rescued by a cat who led him into the temple for shelter. As thanks, he dedicated the temple to the Li clan and helped it grow into a powerful temple.

The cat itself was enshrined for bringing such good fortune to the temple. A Buddhist kannon statue was erected, and the cat itself became an important symbol for today’s maneki-neko. The maneki-neko cat beckons with its paw the traditional Japanese way, inviting in fortune. People put maneki neko outside their homes and businesses hoping the cat will invite in good things, just like the one that changed history for the once humble Gotokuji, 400 years ago.

Unlike the maneki neko seen in shops and souvenir stands, Gotokuji’s cats aren’t holding a coin! This is because the cats don’t promise materials, but offer good luck for connections. They remind visitors that it’s up to them to use those connections and to stay positive so luck will come.

What can you see at Gotokuji?

The temple is mainly visited by people who want to pray for luck or see the hundreds of white maneki neko left by other visitors. There are statues of the lucky cat hidden around the temple too. It’s worth walking around to see all the small details built into the architecture.

In addition to a ceremonial bell tower and tiered pagoda, the temple grounds also have a large cemetery where members of the Ii clan are buried. Visitors are welcome to view the graves from a respectful distance.

At the temple reception office, purchase an ema to write on and make a wish, or a totem to add to the temple’s collection of maneki neko yourself. After enjoying the rich culture and cute cats around the temple (including some live ones, if you’re lucky!), head North-east to the nearby Shimokitazawa neighborhood to enjoy a Savor Japan recommended izakaya.

Daikeizan Gotokuji temple
Visit hours　6:00am to 5:00pm　* Temple office is open from 8:00am to 3:00pm
Address　Gotokuji 2-24-7, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 154-0021
Contact　＋81-3-3426-1437

Shimokitazawa

Leave the temple and head to Gotokuji station for the Odakyu line. Take the train for Shinjuku and get off at Shimokitazawa, a trendy neighborhood known for youth culture, food and thrifting.

1. Kokera

This seafood focused spot is headed by chef Kenjiro Watanabe. As a young person, he worked in customer service at an Izakaya, where he learned to appreciate restaurants and study the art of cooking. He learned all his skills on the job, pursuing his dream of opening his own restaurant.

Now, as the head of Kokera, he stocks the best fish every day and invites guests to select their preferred ingredients and cooking style from the counter case. As an Izakaya owner, he has freedom to serve dishes and stock a wide range of beverages and ingredients.

An ever-changing selection of sashimi and shop-specialty box-pressed sushi will satisfy those looking for authentic food. Kokera’s boxed sushi features steamed abalone and fresh uni with seasonal additions – a luxurious menu feature you won’t find at your average bar!

Kokera

Open: Normal hours: 17:00 - 00:30 (Last order: 23:30)
Closed: Sundays
Average price: [Dinner] 4,000 JPY
Access: Five minute walk from the South Exit of Shimo-Kitazawa Station on the Odakyu Line. Head southeast from in front of the McDonalds, then turn left at the Shimo-Kitazawa Station entrance intersection. On the second corner.
Address: Tomokazu Bldg. 102, 2-3-12 Kitazawa , Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Map
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2. Katsu Shimokitazawa

Chef Kazuteru Kanazawa knows Shimokitazawa is full of excellent izakayas, but he is committed to making his the best when it comes to yakitori. He’s opened 10 restaurants in his career, where he serves premium Daisen chicken from Tottori prefecture. Chef Kanazawa’s favorite thing is serving his customers face-to-face, hearing their thoughts and doing his best to attend to their requests, even if it means going off-menu.

Thanks to the extremely high quality chicken he serves at Katsu, diners can try adventurous dishes that never make it outside of Japan, like rare, marinated chicken livers. Those not quite ready for that challenge will love the delicate smokey flavor of yakitori roasted over binchou charcoal or family-favorite chicken karaage.

Katsu’s casual menu and friendly service makes it a great choice for those who want an authentic experience with safe menu options and a relaxing atmosphere.

Katsu Shimokitazawa

Open: (Weekdays, Saturday) Normal hours 6:00pm-4:00am (last order 3:00am)(Saturday, Holidays) Normal hours 6:00pm- 4:00am
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY
Access: Two minute walk from North exit of Shimo-Kitazawa station.
Address: Katayanagi Bldg. 1F, 2-33-3 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Map
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3. Tsugumi

This two-floor izakaya has 6 counter seats on the first floor and tables on the second. It’s a little outside the main Shimokitazawa area, making it the perfect secret place to escape and relax. Tsugumi even offers a kaiseki course menu for those who want a luxurious end to their day.

The a la carte menu features a wide range of izakaya menu items with modern inspiration and stylish design. Kinpira, a countryside dish served at grandma’s house, is done in a contemporary western style with tomatoes. In contrast, the precious, simple, owan soup dish diners usually have to reserve fine dining to taste is available as an unfussy a la carte item.

Pair tacos with saikyou yaki cod and Thai noodles. A wide selection of wines, ranging from quirky to classic, make this izakaya a great choice for diners who want to see what locals really eat on a night out; it might not be what you expect!

Tsugumi

Open: [Sunday,Saturday] 4:00 pm - 2:00 am (last order 1:00 am)[Friday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 2:00 am (last order 1:00 am)[Sunday - Tuesday,Thursday] Dinner 6:00 pm - 11:00 pm (last order 10:00 pm)
Closed: Wednesday
Average price: [Dinner] 6,000 JPY
Access:
Address: 3-7-6 Kitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo Map
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Disclaimer: All information is accurate at time of publication.

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