Gotokuji Temple: The Lucky Cat Temple

Gotokuji Temple, also known as the "Lucky Cat Temple," is a must-visit spot for anyone traveling to Tokyo and looking for a unique destination. If you have 2-3 hours to spare, we highly recommend this serene and peaceful temple. The temple grounds are lush and tranquil, with fewer crowds, making it a pleasant place to stroll around. One of the highlights of Gotokuji Temple is the abundance of lucky cat figurines (maneki-neko). These figurines are brought back to the temple by visitors who made wishes and had them fulfilled, as a gesture of gratitude. We visited during the autumn foliage season, and the scenery was absolutely stunning! Our trip was in mid-December, with chilly weather around 8-10°C, perfect for leisurely walks and photography. If you'd like to take home a lucky cat figurine, the temple offers them for sale in various sizes. We rented a small one for 800 yen. **A small note of caution:** The temple stops selling amulets during lunchtime from 12:00 to 13:00, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly. We happened to arrive during this break, so keep an eye on the time! 😂 How to get there: Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku Station and get off at Gotokuji Station. From there, it's about a 10-minute walk to the temple. The walk is delightful, with charming local shops and houses along the way. We loved the atmosphere and are determined to return once our wishes come true! 😊