Gotokuji Temple
Today I explored our little area only to find this gem, Gotokuji Temple. It is know as the home of the Maneke Neko or as us foreigners may know it as the “beckoning cat”. It was an easy 10 minute walk from home and because it is out in the suburbs it wasn’t flooded with tourists, in fact I was the only person there. The area of course if beautiful and very green. There were many temples, shrines, as well as statues and a cemetery.
I searched to find out more about this temple but there’s not too much available. What I did find out is quite a sweet story if it is true. So a brief history about Gotokuji Temple, it is believed that it originates from the Edo period, when a daimyo (powerful feudal lord) from Hikone (a city located in present-day Shiga Prefecture) passed by a temple when a cat beckoned him to enter. The daimyo followed it inside and after entering a thunderstorm started. Thankful to the cat for saving him from the thunderstorm, he raised the money necessary to purchase and rebuild the temple, which eventually became Gotokuji. From that time on, people began to offer Maneki Neko figurines to the temple as a sign of gratitude when their wishes came true. This still happens today and you can purchase a Maneki Neko from a little shop on the temple grounds.
As the story states people bring in the Maneki Neko when their wish has come true…there are over 1000 Maneki Neko at this temple. They come in all sizes and are placed in all kinds of hidden spots.
Overall was very enjoyable. Of course it was raining when I went so I look forward to exploring again when the sun is shining.
Blue Eyes In Japan 