Tokyo

Travel

Pray for good luck to the “Maneki Neko” at Gotokuji Temple, which is in full bloom of the autumn leaves.

In Japan, it is customary to place “Maneki Neko” as a prayer for good luck and prosperous business. In recent years, it has become more popular as a souvenir from overseas. At Gotokuji Temple, where many such “Maneki Neko” were placed, the autumn leaves are in full bloom.

A temple where the legend of "Maneki Neko" remains

During the Edo period, Naotaka Ii, the second feudal lord of the Hikone Domain, passed by the temple on his way home from falconry. At that time, Osho’s cat was beckoning him, so Naotaka decided to stop by and take a break.

Then a thunderstorm began to fall, and Naotaka did not get wet. Also, while waiting for the rain to stop, Naotaka, who was listening to Osho’s sermon and was very pleased with the sermon, made many donations to the temple.
It is said that this led to the change of the temple name to “Gotokuji”.

At Gotokuji, there is a “Maneki Neko den” that enshrines Maneki Neko Kannon (Maneki Neko Bodhisattva, Lord of Maneki Neko). Next to the “Maneki Neko den”, a large number of Maneki Neko children are dedicated as a thank-you for the fulfillment of their wishes.

"Maneki Neko" dedicated in gratitude for fulfillment
Three-storied pagoda with carved cat

A three-storied pagoda built in 2006. The autumn scenery goes well with the majestic atmosphere. Cat carvings are made here and there, so I think one way to enjoy it is to look for it with binoculars.

Autumn leaves that color the precincts

Tadamasa Shinto monument

Gotokuji, which stands in a quiet residential area of Setagaya Ward, is a hidden spot for autumn leaves. There is no congestion and you can look around slowly. Why don’t you come visit us once?

New

New

Featured articles

Tokyo

Art

Event

Special Exhibition “Daikakuji Temple, Former Saga Gosho – New Currents: Paintings Related to the Gosho” will be held at night to commemorate the 1,150th anniversary of the temple’s founding.

Due to the popularity of the exhibition “Daikakuji Temple, Former Saga Palace: New Flowers and Paintings Related to the Palace,” which will be held at the Heiseikan of the Tokyo National Museum from Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the museum will be open at night. In addition, from Tuesday, February 18, a limited-edition novelty gift will be distributed to visitors who purchase exhibition merchandise for 4,000 yen or more, including tax.

Shiga

Travel

Event

Culture

[KYUKAMURA OHMI-HACHIMAN]Tour of Lake Biwa’s famous landmarks ‘Enjoying “Biwa Ichi” by bus – around Lake Biwa’ tour.

The resort hotel ‘KYUKAMURA OHMI-HACHIMAN’, located on the eastern shore of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, in Omi Hachiman City, known for its Omi merchants and Azuchi Castle, is inviting participants to join the ‘Biwaichi’ bus tour, which immerses them in the historical romance of Shiga Prefecture, which has flourished as a key transport hub since ancient times, close to Kyoto and Nara.
To ensure that visitors can enjoy Omi in an easy-to-understand way, Mr Yoshiyuki Onuma, Senior Researcher at the National Institute for Historical Resource Development, will accompany them throughout the tour and provide explanations.

Yamaguchi

SAKURA

Event

[Kai Nagato]Spring-only cherry blossom viewing stay to enjoy the rows of cherry trees along the Otoshin River, ‘Spring Ranman Stay’.

From 25 March to 6 April 2025, Kai Nagato Onsen Ryokan is offering a “Spring Stay” to enjoy the murmur of the Onshin River, which heralds the arrival of spring, and the cherry blossoms. In spring, the rows of cherry blossom trees along the Onshin River, which flows in front of Kai Nagato, are in full bloom, adding colour to the hot spring resort. This plan allows you to enjoy the rows of cherry blossom trees, which have attracted many tourists to the area, to your heart’s content. This plan offers guests a special seat on the Kawadoko Terrace before dinner so that they can enjoy the cherry blossoms at any time during their stay.

Hiroshima

Art

The Most Beautiful Museum in the World: Simose Art Museum Wins UNESCO’s Prestigious Versailles Prize!

Pick Up

Pick Up