Gōtoku-ji

Gōtoku-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan. It is widely believed to be the origin of the maneki-neko, the beckoning cat figurine often seen in businesses and homes, thought to bring good luck.

According to legend, during the Edo period, a poor monk living at Gōtoku-ji took in a stray cat despite the temple's poverty. A lord, Ii Naotaka of the Hikone Domain, was passing by the temple when a cat beckoned him inside. Shortly after entering the temple, a sudden thunderstorm erupted, which the lord credited to the cat for saving him from the storm. In gratitude, Ii Naotaka became a patron of the temple, helping to rebuild and expand it. After the cat's death, a statue was erected in its honor, leading to the creation of the maneki-neko.

Today, Gōtoku-ji is known for its thousands of maneki-neko figurines that are placed in a designated area of the temple by visitors seeking good fortune. Visitors purchase the cats, make a wish, and often return them to the temple after their wish has been fulfilled. The temple grounds also include a pagoda, a bell tower, and various statues and monuments. Gōtoku-ji is a popular destination for both locals and tourists interested in Japanese folklore and culture.