Gōtoku-ji Temple

What it is

• A Soto Zen temple established in 1480 by Kira Masatada.
• Designated as the family temple of Lord Ii Naotaka in 1633.
• Considered a birthplace of the maneki-neko beckoning cat tradition.
• The temple name derives from the posthumous Buddhist name of Ii Naotaka.

What to see

• A Buddha Hall built in 1677 by the daughter of Ii Naotaka.
• A three-story pagoda featuring cat carvings added in 2006.
• The Ii family cemetery which is designated as a national historic site.
• The grave of the prominent historical figure Ii Naosuke.

Getting there

• A ten-minute walk from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line.
• Five minutes away from Miyanozaka Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.