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Gotokuji Temple Exploration: Discover Lucky Cats and Shoinjinja Shrine in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo
5.0
5 Ratings
Setagaya City
Embark on a 3.5-hour walking tour of Gotokuji Temple and Shoinjinja Shrine in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. Explore a quiet residential area filled with lucky cats and discover the charm of this high-class neighborhood.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Setagaya Hachimangu - An autumn festival held at Setagaya Hachimangu, one of the prominent shrines in Setagaya Ward. Known for its dohyo (sumo ring) set up within the shrine grounds and the honosumo (奉納相撲) event.
- Gotokuji Temple - Gotokuji Temple originated as the Kotokuin hermitage, established by Kira Masatada, who built Setagaya Castle in 1480. Initially part of the Rinzai sect, it transitioned to the Soto sect in 1584. The temple grounds feature many notable sights, including the tomb of Ii Naosuke, a key figure in the Tokugawa shogunate during the mid-19th century, a three-story pagoda, and the revered invincible Kannon. However, its most famous attraction is the good fortune beckoning cat, or “manekineko,” believed to have originated here. The sight of over 1,000 of these lucky cats is now a symbolic image of Tokyo. The temple is considered the birthplace of the manekineko, a well-known symbol of good luck in Japan. The tour guide will explain the origins of the lucky cat during the visit.
- Shoin Shrine - Established in 1882, Shoinjinja Shrine centers around Yoshida Shoin. The shrine grounds include the tombs of Shoka Village school children, including Yoshida Shoin, and a replica of the Shoka Village school building. Born in Hagi City, Yamaguchi prefecture, in 1830, Yoshida Shoin was a spiritual leader of the Meiji Restoration and laid the foundation for modern Japan. He was executed by Ii Naosuke, ending his life at 30. His philosophy, known as “Yamato Damashi (Japanese spirit),” continues to influence contemporary Japanese thought, including that of Ito Hirofumi, Japan’s first Prime Minister. It is notable that Shoinjinja Shrine, dedicated to Yoshida Shoin, and Gotokuji Temple, where Ii Naosuke is buried, are within walking distance of each other, symbolizing the end and protection of the samurai era.
- Carrot Tower - A landmark in Sengenjacha, Setagaya.
- Tokyu Setagaya Line - Experience this local line filled with locals after the tour.
- OMAKASE - The tour provider for this activity.
What's Included
- Professional guide
What's Not Included
- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transportation to/from attractions
Additional Information
Embark on a 3.5-hour exploration of the Gotokuji Temple and Shoinjinja Shrine areas located in the peaceful residential district of Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. Considered as one of the 23 special wards under the administration of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Setagaya Ward is a sprawling locality in the southeastern part of Tokyo which includes opulent residential zones such as Jiyugaoka and Seijo. Outfitted with natural landmarks like parks and green-filled valleys, this residential retreat is easily accessible for dwellers. The core city is also conveniently reachable, and, over the years, influential business leaders, leading sports personalities, and entertainers have turned this into a high-class avenue; hence, residents of Tokyo often aspire to be part of this area.
- Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in because you will walk the mountain paths.
- Tour duration can be extended at a rate of 5,000 yen per group, per hour, payable in cash.
- Hotel pickup will incur an additional fee of ¥5,000 per group (for hotels in Tokyo & Yokohama area)
Location
Gotokuji Station
Your guide will waiting for you with a name board at the ticket gate of Gotokuji station.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(5 Ratings)
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Jeanmarie_n
Apr 24, 2024
Cat temple and so much more! - We spent a fabulous half-day wit Mitsuko, who was kind, informative, and fun! We expected to just see the cat temple, but we got to go to several temples and shrines in the area, learn about the neighborhood, and even do some shopping. Mitsuko was an authentic and responsive guide who kept us engaged the whole time.
Review provided by Viator
Lani_k
Feb 13, 2024
Gotokuji History with Yumi - Yumi was an excellent tour guide! She showed us how to enter a shrine along with purity & prayer rituals. We thoroughly enjoyed the history of every shrine including the origin of the lucky cat. Thank you, Yumi!
Review provided by Viator
Nathaniel_w
Oct 30, 2023
Highly recommend Emiko! - Emiko was a phenomenal tour guide! She was so knowledgeable, fun and considerate. We had such a great time, would highly recommend and were especially grateful for her help navigating the area. Very happy with the experience!
Review provided by Viator
Survived321
Jan 18, 2019
Highly recommended - Could not recommend this highly enough. We were emersed in the local cuture from the beginning of the tour. The traditional tea ceremony was amazing. The guide spoke excellent English and was very knowledgeable. This is a must do when in Tokyo.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sarah
Aug 2, 2018
This tour is exactly what I was... - <p>This tour is exactly what I was hoping it would be. We had a great morning with our tour guide Yoshimi exploring the local area of Gotokuji and visiting the Lucky Cat Temple. </p>
<p>We have been to Tokyo before and seek out more off the grid and local experiences when we can. This tour was new to Viator and outside the hustle and bustle of the Tokyo we know, thus why we thought it might be interesting. We are also crazy about the Lucky Cat, so thought this would be fun and lucky to see. </p>
<p>Yoshimi, our tour guide, was so nice, knowledgable, easy to walk and talk with and continually wanted to ensure we were taken care of. She met us at the subway station on this rainy day and we spent 3.5 hours on foot exploring at a slow, relaxed pace the quaint little streets, the local little shops and activity of a regular Saturday for this community which seemed void of most tourists. More shops would most likely be open if you book this tour for the later time versus the 9AM start that we took. </p>
<p>This tour is local, slow paced, focused on the Gotokuji community and exactly what I was hoping for. A simply lovely little morning. Thank you Yoshimi!</p>
Review provided by Viator
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