Daikeizan Gōtokuji Temple

Author: Richard Perkins
Photos/Videos Taken: 2016/04/09・
2019/01/19・2022/05/21
Address: 2-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya-ku,
Tokyo,【154-0021】

Officially known as 大谿山豪徳寺 (daikeizan gōtokuji), Gōtokuji Temple is a Buddhist temple in the Setagaya ward of Tokyo. Part of the Sōtō sect of Buddhism, Gōtokuji Temple was originally built under the name 弘徳院 (kōtokuin) for the deceased aunt of Kira Masatada, the ruler of Setagaya castle. The Ii (pronounced e-e) family, who were head of the Hikone Domain (Shiga Prefecture), established Kōtokuin as a temple that was to retain their family grave in Edo (Tokyo). Not long after this, in 1659, it was renamed "Gōtokuji Temple" after the Buddhist name (Kyūshōin Tonogotoku Tenhidehiro Koji) of Ii Naotaka, the second head of the Hikone Domain.

In Japan, there is a wide variety of traditional Japanese handicrafts. These traditional handicrafts are decorative objects, many of which resemble toys. One traditional handicraft is a 招き猫 (maneki-neko), lit: beckoning cat. As its name implies, this cat always raises one of its paws (as if it were beckoning to someone). Depending on the paw raised, this cat holds a different meaning. If the left paw is raised, then it's trying to draw in people (customers). If the right paw is raised, it’s trying to bring about/increase one's money. From time to time, you’ll see a Maneki-neko raising both paws, symbolising that it's trying to draw customers in and help one earn more money. However, it’s more common to see a Maneki-neko raising one of its paws than both. As one can imagine, this is a traditional Japanese handicraft often used in businesses. This cat is usually placed near the cash register at a shop or restaurant.

Across Japan, many temples and shrines are said to be where the Maneki-neko originated. Gōtokuji Temple is one of those temples. The story of how this temple may have been where it originated takes place at the beginning of the Edo period (1603-1868). The head of the Hikone Domain, Ii Naotaka, was on his way back from hunting for hawks one day when he happened to pass by the gate of a Buddhist temple where there was a cat that was waving one of its paws at him, just as if it was beckoning him into that temple. Upon approaching the cat and entering the temple a thunderstorm suddenly broke out. Because the cat had waved one of its paws to Ii Naotaka, he sheltered from the thunderstorm and didn’t get wet. Ii Naotaka was grateful to the cat for waving at him, and soon after, an ornament resembling a cat holing up one of its paws was made. This ornament is said to be the origin of the Maneki-neko.

On the grounds of Gōtokuji Temple are more Maneki-neko than one can count. There is a unique charm here. With many great photo opportunities, this is a great temple for sightseeing and learning about a traditional aspect of Japan. Everyone who visits Gōtokuji Temple will have a good time, so (particularly) those who’d like to break away from the typical tourist spots in Tokyo, this is one temple worth visiting.