Gotokuji Temple, located in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo, is believed to be the birthplace of the famous maneki-neko, the “beckoning cat” figurine that symbolizes good luck.
These statues, depicting a seated cat raising one paw, have become beloved worldwide among cat enthusiasts.
While maneki-neko come in various styles—raising either the right or left paw—Gotokuji Temple is known for the version with the right paw raised, a sign of prosperity.
According to legend, in the early 17th century, Ii Naotaka, the second lord of the Omi-Hikone Domain, took shelter from a sudden storm after being beckoned into the temple by a resident cat. In gratitude, Naotaka dedicated the temple to his clan. After his death, the temple was renamed Gotokuji, derived from his posthumous Buddhist name.
The cat that saved him was later enshrined as the “Fortune-Inviting Kannon.” Over time, it became associated with good luck and was called maneki-neko. Since then, worshippers have filled Gotokuji Temple with countless lucky cat figurines as offerings for prosperity.
Camera: Canon EOS 800D / Rebel T7i / Kiss X9i
Lens: TAMRON SP 28-75mm F/2.8 Di A09E
Capture Information:
Focal Length: 28.0 mm
Shutter Speed: 1/1600
Aperture: f/2.8
ISO: 100
Photo Taken: April 09, 2024
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