By MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Department, compiled and reported by Liao Qiyu
Visiting shrines is an absolute must when traveling in Japan. Besides praying for good luck, many also come to seek wealth and love. In Tokyo, shrine visits can take on a unique twist, as the city is home to three famous Lucky Cat shrines, including Saishoji in Setagaya, Imado Shrine in Asakusa, and Jishoin in Shinjuku. Each has its own unique characteristics and stories. Next time you plan a shrine-hopping trip, follow the paw prints of these lucky cats and conquer them one by one!
Saishoji is home to thousands of Maneki-neko statues — an absolutely astonishing sight. (Image source / amusingplanet)
● Saishoji
It is said that Saishoji is the birthplace of the Maneki-neko (lucky cat). Nestled in a residential area on the outskirts of Tokyo, legend has it that one day, the lord of the Hikone Domain, returning from a falconry trip, passed by Saishoji. He noticed a cute cat waving at him, so he followed the feline into the temple. While enjoying tea and listening to the monk’s sermon, a sudden downpour began outside. Filled with gratitude, the lord donated a large sum of money to renovate the temple. It is believed that the very first Maneki-neko statue was modeled after the cat the lord encountered. In addition, Saishoji built a "Manekineko Hall" to enshrine the Manekineko Kannon, and placed around a thousand Maneki-neko statues nearby — an amazing sight indeed.
Legend says the very first Maneki-neko came from Saishoji. (Image source / amusingplanet)
These adorable Maneki-neko bring good fortune to worshippers. (Image source / amusingplanet)
【Info】
Saishoji
Address: 24-7 Komagome Hongocho, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
Transportation: 15 minutes on foot from Saishoji Station / 5 minutes on foot from Miyanosaka Station
The temple houses over a thousand Maneki-neko statues. (Image source / amusingplanet)
● Imado Shrine
Known for its power to bless visitors with good romantic relationships, Imado Shrine enshrines Emperor Ojin, Izanagi-no-Mikoto, and Izanami-no-Mikoto. Izanagi and Izanami were the first deities to become husband and wife among the Shinto gods, settling and creating the Japanese islands while giving birth to many other deities. As such, they are revered as symbols of love and prosperity. The shrine is also considered one of the “birthplaces of the Maneki-neko,” featuring a pair of large male and female lucky cats stationed in front of the worship hall, inviting good fortune and romance to worshippers.
Imado Shrine, with a giant pair of male and female Maneki-neko guarding the worship hall. (Image source / gotokyo)
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