The Maneki Neko 招き猫 or Lucky Kitty as it is known outside Japan is probably one of the most purchased souvenirs by tourists coming to Japan. At least that’s my guess. But did you know that it was “invented” in Gotokuji? The temple, located in the middle of Setagaya-ku, is the birth place of the famous beckoning cat. According to legend, some monk was standing under a tree during a thunderstorm (what was he thinking?) when he saw a cat beckoning him to come into the temple. After he followed the cat into Gotokuji a lighting bolt struck the tree. The cat had saved his life and in a spark of marketing genius he came up with the maneki neko doll which has since sold billions. So is Gotokuji worth visiting? Sure, if you are around the area but it’s definitely not worth coming across town just to see the place. The only evidence of anything remotely related to the lucky kitty is this display (above) hidden behind one of the rear buildings, you’d miss it if you weren’t looking for it. And a small deserted souvenir shop that sold a tiny selection of them. You can find more in Asakusa.
Some more photos around the temple. It’s never crowded. In fact, there is never anyone here.
Yeah that’s kinda stuff every Japanese is familiar at. Did you know that this beckoning cat with its right hand raising is a good luck charm for wealth,and with its left hand up is a charm for having a long queue of customers outside a shop?
More interesting fact is that with both hands up it is a BANZAI and can bring you head over heels in debt (lol!) as in Japanese idiom you might know the phrase ote-age(with both hands up)!
ayufish, I did not know that bit of trivia. Thanks!
which only concludes that YOU,Roy
is THE Luckiest Man in Tokyo 8)