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 area 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.
