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Tokyo's Lucky Cat Gotokuji: 1000 Maneki Neko & a Hidden Shrine
Product code 5586670P172
From
From USD 4
Dates
Available from May 25, 2026
Start times
1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 10:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, 9:00 AM
Travelers
Infant ages 0-5, Child ages 6-12, Adult ages 13-99
Options
Tokyo's Lucky Cat Gotokuji: 1000 Maneki Neko & a Hidden Shrine
Availability, payment, cancellation, and vouchers are completed on Viator after you leave this page.
Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Booking, payment, cancellation, and vouchers continue on Viator.
From
From USD 4
Tokyo's Lucky Cat Gotokuji: 1000 Maneki Neko & a Hidden Shrine





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Duration
1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket type
Mobile Only
Languages
English
Confirmation
Instant
Meeting point
Meeting point provided
Time zone
Asia/Tokyo
Why Travelers Love This
Step into Tokyo's Lucky Cat town, where 1,000 maneki-neko line a hidden temple courtyard. In the 17th century, a cat lifted its paw, saved a feudal lord from a thunderstorm - and gave Japan its most famous lucky charm. The whole neighborhood wears cats, all leading to Gotokuji, where the legend began. Your guide leads you from the shopping street (free time for cat snacks) into Gotokuji, where thousands of white lucky cats wait by the pagoda. You'll stand at the grave of shogun enforcer Ii Naosuke, then walk to a hidden shrine resting his rival Yoshida Shoin — whom Ii ordered killed. Two enemies, one quiet town. Highlights: Tokyo's "Lucky Cat town" - even manhole covers wear cats 1,000 white maneki-neko at Gotokuji's pagoda courtyard Hear the original maneki-neko legend where it began Two graves of sworn enemies: Ii Naosuke and Yoshida Shoin Small-group walk with a local guide For cat lovers and history fans - this walk has both.
Overview
Step into Tokyo's Lucky Cat town, where 1,000 maneki-neko line a hidden temple courtyard. In the 17th century, a cat lifted its paw, saved a feudal lord from a thunderstorm - and gave Japan its most famous lucky charm. The whole neighborhood wears cats, all leading to Gotokuji, where the legend began. Your guide leads you from the shopping street (free time for cat snacks) into Gotokuji, where thousands of white lucky cats wait by the pagoda. You'll stand at the grave of shogun enforcer Ii Naosuke, then walk to a hidden shrine resting his rival Yoshida Shoin — whom Ii ordered killed. Two enemies, one quiet town. Highlights: Tokyo's "Lucky Cat town" - even manhole covers wear cats 1,000 white maneki-neko at Gotokuji's pagoda courtyard Hear the original maneki-neko legend where it began Two graves of sworn enemies: Ii Naosuke and Yoshida Shoin Small-group walk with a local guide For cat lovers and history fans - this walk has both.
What's Included
Included
Photo opportunities throughout
A Professional Local Guide
Not included
Transportation during the tour
Food and beverage expenses
Personal expenses
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Your guide will be waiting in front of Gotokuji Station. They are holding a signboard for our inbound tour service name, so please use that as a reference point to meet up. If you have trouble finding them, you can contact the guide directly via WhatsApp or phone.
Itinerary
Stop 1
10 minutes
Stop 1
Walk through the charming approach street from Gotokuji Station while spotting cat-themed manhole covers, signs, and decorations. Hear the introduction to the famous maneki-neko legend and enjoy local street snacks if you wish.
Stop 2
35 minutes
Stop 2
Visit the historic temple known as the birthplace of the maneki-neko legend. Explore the three-story pagoda and temple buildings, see hundreds of white lucky cats at the Shofuku-den Hall, and hear the story of the cat that saved Lord Ii Naotaka from a storm. The tour also visits the Ii family gravesite, including Ii Naosuke’s grave, while learning about the Sakuradamon Incident and the fall of the samurai era.
Stop 3
20 minutes
Stop 3
Visit the peaceful shrine dedicated to Yoshida Shoin. Pay respects at the main hall, visit Shoin’s grave, and see the recreated Shoka Sonjuku school model within the shrine grounds. Learn the dramatic historical connection between Ii Naosuke and Yoshida Shoin, whose opposing fates shaped the end of the samurai era.
Additional Info
Wheelchair Accessible
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller Accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Pets Welcome
Service animals allowed
Public Transportation Nearby
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation Wheelchair Accessible
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Surfaces Wheelchair Accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Physical Easy
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Policy type
Standard
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Refund eligibility
100% refundable 1+ days before
Refund eligibility
0% refundable 0-1 days before
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