In the outskirts of Tokyo lies a temple adorned with charming beckoning cats! If the bustling crowds of Tokyo have left you breathless, consider venturing into this tranquil and leisurely area. We’re sure you’ll fall in love with the unique atmosphere here ❤️.
Getting There:
This time, we started our journey from the lively Shinjuku Station and took the private “Odakyu Line.” In just about 15 minutes, we arrived at the Gohotiji Station! The fare was only JPY199, quite affordable!
Despite being a local train with multiple stops, the weather was fantastic, perfect for capturing some adorable photos (if I say so myself 😄).
Duration:
Our excursion, including exploring nearby shops and the temple, took approximately 1.5 hours.
Charming Alleys | RARASAND ララサンド:
Exiting Gohotiji Station, you’ll be greeted by an adorable beckoning cat stationmaster. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with him!
Heading left, you’ll enter a chilled-out alley with numerous charming shops. Each shop tempted me to take countless photos, and the relaxed atmosphere of the alley made us dream of living here 😂.
We then stumbled upon a delightful café, “RARASAND ララサンド,” selling beckoning cat-shaped butter cookies. The owner, who looked like a mountain climber, enthusiastically introduced us to the products. We initially thought he was another tourist, only to discover later that he was the owner!
In addition to selling souvenirs, they also offer beckoning cat-shaped butter cookies, which are quite tasty! They also sell beckoning cat cookies without filling, allowing visitors to take a piece of Japan home! It’s a burst of pure joy when you see them – meow!
Gohotiji Temple:
Approximately a 10-minute walk from the station (if you can resist the captivating shops along the way). Once inside the temple grounds, you’ll be surrounded by pine trees, creating a refreshing and lush environment. Take a deep breath and soak in the abundance of nature
The entire temple route, as detailed here, is equipped with accessible ramps (except for a small step at the main gate, but you can enter from the right side). This makes it wheelchair and stroller-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy the plethora of beckoning cat photo opportunities!
There’s a pathway adorned with all the beckoning cats donated by devotees. It’s the perfect spot for photos, providing a sense of joy and prosperity.
My brother found an amazing photo spot! Below is a showcase of how he captured this unique perspective.
Entering the main hall of the temple, you can truly feel its tranquil and solemn ambiance. The area also hosts a spot for purchasing amulets and a beckoning cat blessing area.
Beckoning Cat Train:
On our way back, we took another train from a different station. You can catch the Beckoning Cat-themed light rail to Sangenjaya Station! However, note that specific trains feature beckoning cat designs, and you can check the schedule for the day on this website. You can conveniently use Suica cards for fare payment.
Sangenjaya Station:
This is a significant station with a free observation deck in the station building. The vicinity also boasts numerous shops, making it an ideal place to explore! There’s even a super-sized supermarket under the station – we almost got lost in shopping!
That concludes our half-day journey to Gohotiji Temple in the Tokyo suburbs! I personally adore the sense of escapism from the city, and you can capture tons of beautiful photos. Highly recommend everyone to give it a try!
Mr. David