Today, the 8th of Aug 2018 (18-8-8), is a great opportunity for good luck, or good opportunity for great luck, whichever is better for you. The number 8 is considered a lucky number in Japan because of its kanji 八 that gradually widens with increasing in prosperity. In ancient feudal times, it is even considered a holy number. As such, today I’ll share on how to find your lady luck or, in this case, yokai luck.

In autumn of 2017, I visited a small, rustic temple that houses hundreds of good luck dolls based on the yokai called Maneki-neko, meaning beckoning cat. Located in the outskirts of metropolitan Tokyo, the Gōtoku-ji Temple is about 10 min stroll from Gōtokuji Station of the Okydakyu Line.

Legend has it that, in the early 17th century, a feudal lord Io Naotaka passed by an obscure temple and saw a cat beckoning him to stop by. Curious, the lord entered the temple premises and was offered tea by the head priest.  Halfway through the tea ceremony, a severe thunderstorm began. The lord was grateful for the shelter and the cat that invited him over. When the storm ended, the lord continued on his journey, but returned years to claim the temple under his family care.  He rebuilt the temple and renamed it Gōtoku-ji.

At Gōtoku-ji you could buy Maneki-neko wooden tablets, write your deepest wishes and have it fulfilled in the near future. Alternatively, you could also buy the white Maneki-neko doll with you dreams and bring it home. Unlike the common calico cat Maneki-neko, these cat dolls are pure white. They do not directly provide you luck but an opportunity for luck. The bigger the Maneki-neko doll, the greater your prospect for for good fortune to enter your life. When your wishes and dreams have come true, return the Maneki-neko  to Gōtoku-ji with your deepest gratitude.

Personally, I enjoyed my trip to this hidden gem, away from the many tourists. The autumn leaves perfectly frame the humble temple, their warm colours shading the hundreds of Maneki-neko in cool breeze. If you are visiting Tokyo, take an off-beat visit to Gōtoku-ji. Maybe you’ll meet your lady luck as I’ve found mine. 😍

Location

⛩ Gōtoku-ji Temple 豪徳寺
📍 2 Chome-24-7 Gotokuji, Setagaya 154-0021, Tokyo Prefecture
☎️ +81 3-3426-1437