Wayo Japanese Language School Visits Gotokuji Temple: A Fascinating Journey of Lucky Cats

Hello everyone. This time, we took our students to Gotokuji Temple, located in Setagaya, Tokyo. Known for its thousands of lucky cats, this temple provided us with an opportunity to experience the charm of Japanese traditional culture.

Why Gotokuji Temple?

Gotokuji is famous for its numerous white maneki-neko (lucky cats). It is said that this temple is closely related to the origin of the lucky cat. According to legend, during the Edo period, a samurai encountered a cat beckoning to him in front of Gotokuji Temple. Thanks to this cat, he was able to avoid a sudden thunderstorm. Since then, the temple has flourished, and the lucky cat has become a symbol of good fortune.

The Journey Begins

We took the Odakyu Line to Gotokuji Station and walked through a quiet neighborhood to the temple. Along the way, we enjoyed the view of charming small shops and residential areas, experiencing a side of Tokyo that is calm and rich in culture, different from its bustling cityscape.

Upon arriving at the temple, the most striking sight was the countless lucky cats neatly lined up. Many students took photos and carefully chose a lucky cat while making their wishes.

Lunch Break

After visiting the temple, we stopped by a traditional Japanese tea house, where we enjoyed authentic matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets). To enhance the cultural experience, the school also provided a 1,000 yen meal subsidy, allowing students to enjoy the local cuisine.

Summary of the Trip

This visit to Gotokuji Temple was not only an opportunity to deepen our understanding of Japanese culture, but also a great chance for students to build stronger connections with one another. Please look forward to our next cultural experience tour.

Would you like to explore the beauty of Japan with us? Join us in learning Japanese while participating in various cultural activities!