The Noripy Exploration Team, constantly on the lookout for “Tokyo’s delights,” presents its latest discovery for this month: Gōtoku-ji Temple. Located in a residential area in Setagaya Ward, this temple offers a serene retreat away from the bustling heart of Tokyo, allowing visitors to relax and unwind.
“Come, come!”
Whenever I look at this photo, I can’t help but feel the urge to chant, “Ei, Ei, Oh!”
The beckoning cat of prosperity, with its right paw raised, is said to bring good fortune, while its left paw raised is said to invite people (customers).Enticed by the inviting gesture, Noripy has arrived at….
Gotoku-ji Temple
…At Gotoku-ji Temple. It is also the name of a station on the Odakyu Line. This temple is famous for its beckoning cat figurines. It serves as the family temple of the Ii clan of Hikone Domain and houses the grave of Ii Naosuke, who served as the Tairō (Chief Minister) of the Tokugawa shogunate and was assassinated in the Sakuradamon Incident. He is also well-known for concluding the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between Japan and the United States.
Little Kyoto
In the summer, the greenery is beautiful. As autumn arrives, the vibrant autumn foliage captivates visitors. The best viewing time is from late November to early December. It is so enchanting that you may mistakenly feel as if you have wandered into an ancient temple in Kyoto.
How many?
They are countless. The sheer abundance is overwhelming. The temple is filled with dedicated beckoning cats, overflowing in number. It is said that people purchase beckoning cat figurines, make wishes, and when their wishes come true, they dedicate the figurines as a token of gratitude.Numerous beckoning cats seem to beckon and speak to me, creating a soothing and heartwarming view.
Buddhist Temple
Admire the structures like the three-story pagoda, gates, and decorative items such as incense burners and ema plaques at this Zen Buddhist temple. Let your thoughts wander in the tranquil atmosphere of the temple.
Approach Pathway
The approach pathway is surrounded by pine trees, and a new resting area has been recently installed.
Perfect as Souvenirs!
They are great for decorating your room, tucking them in your bag as charms, and come in various sizes, from tiny ones the size of a bean to larger ones. The compact size makes them ideal as souvenirs.
Origin of the Beckoning Cat
The statue at the entrance of the “Shōfuku-den”, dedicated to cats, bears the legend of the beckoning cat.In the past, during a time when this temple was impoverished, there was a heartwarming tale of a cat repaying the kindness of a monk who had cherished cats.
One day, Ii Naotaka, a prominent figure of the Tokugawa shogunate, happened to pass by this area on his way back from falconry. Suddenly, he noticed a cat raising its paw as if beckoning him. Right after, a thunderstorm broke out. Thanks to the beckoning cat that had guided him, Naotaka was able to avoid the storm and happily listen to the grateful sermon of the monk. From that day onwards, the Ii family provided support to this temple, which became their ancestral temple.
The Three Poses of the Beckoning Cat
Noripy raising her left hand twice signifies the anticipation of being blessed with encounters with people, symbolizing the hope for meaningful connections with everyone. However, perhaps having both hands raised would be too greedy. It’s important not to be too greedy, after all.
Foodie’s Delight
A must-have for a Tokyo stroll is delicious food. This time, we enjoyed a special soba dish at the local long-established soba restaurant, Fukumuro-an. Even here, the place was overflowing with beckoning cats. Look at the bowls and chopstick rests with the drawing of beckoning cat.
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