Imagine stepping into a world where history, spirituality, and art come together in perfect harmony. At the historic Gotokuji Temple, you’ll encounter centuries-old traditions, striking architecture, and the delightful sight of countless maneki-neko cats — each one a symbol of good fortune. This isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a chance to step into Japan’s spiritual heart and reflect on your own culture through a different lens.
As you wander further, you’ll meet Jizo Bodhisattva, a figure deeply cherished by the Japanese for generations. Beyond the serene beauty of its form lies a story of compassion and protection that has touched everyday lives for centuries. And if sustainability matters to you, exploring by Tesla EV brings a refreshing, eco-friendly way to enjoy Tokyo’s cultural treasures.
This journey blends timeless tradition with today’s values — a rare chance to immerse yourself in Japan’s Buddhist heritage while experiencing how cultures can resonate with one another.
Across Japan, you’ll find over 158,000 shrines and temples — nearly three times the number of convenience stores (＊1). That abundance alone speaks volumes about how spirituality is woven into daily life here.
Even those who don’t consider themselves devout still visit temples and shrines for New Year’s or seasonal festivals. These spaces are more than religious sites: they’re living cultural hubs that combine architecture, gardens, sculpture, and history. Think of them as Japan’s counterpart to Europe’s great cathedrals — places of worship that also inspire with artistry and legacy.
The aesthetic you encounter here is uniquely Japanese. Zen temples, with their refined simplicity and harmony, influenced the tea ceremony and karesansui gardens, shaping the wabi-sabi philosophy that treasures imperfection and transience (＊2).
Standing before a stone garden in silence, or walking through the shadows of wooden halls, you’ll feel the poignancy of beauty that exists precisely because it fades. It’s a perspective quite different from the Western emphasis on permanence and symmetry — one that invites you to savor impermanence as a source of meaning.
Set in Setagaya, Gotokuji is a Soto Zen temple that prospered during the Edo period as the family temple of the Ii clan, rulers of Hikone. Restored by Lord Ii Naotaka, the temple was named after his Buddhist posthumous title (＊1).
As you walk its grounds, you’ll discover the graves of successive lords, including Ii Naosuke — all part of a site now designated a National Historic Landmark. The experience feels similar to visiting the resting places of nobles in Europe’s castles or cathedrals: an encounter with history that bridges centuries.
Gotokuji is also famous for its maneki-neko legend. As the story goes, Lord Naotaka once saw a white cat raise its paw outside the temple gate. Curious, he stepped inside — just in time to escape a sudden thunderstorm. That moment gave birth to Gotokuji’s reputation as the “Temple of the Beckoning Cat.”
Over time, a hall was built to enshrine the cat, and visitors began dedicating figurines known as Shofuku Nekoji. Today, thousands of these ceramic cats line the temple, creating a mesmerizing display that feels part folk tradition, part contemporary art installation (＊2).
Look closely and you’ll notice Gotokuji’s cats are unique: unlike the typical coin-holding figurine, these raise only the right paw — said to invite happiness itself rather than money. And if you explore the temple architecture, you’ll spot playful carvings of cats tucked among zodiac animals. Discovering these small details brings a sense of delight, a reminder of how Japanese culture often blends dignity with gentle humor.
Step inside Gotokuji’s gardens and you’ll feel Tokyo fade away. The sound of birds replaces city noise; seasonal flowers line the paths; moss-covered stones and lanterns punctuate the landscape.
In spring you’ll walk under cherry blossoms, in early summer beneath fresh green leaves, and in autumn through a blaze of red and gold. The entire space is a meditation on wabi-sabi — beauty in the fleeting and imperfect. Sunlight shifting through branches or shadows dancing in the breeze draw you into moments that exist only once.
Here, the lack of spectacle is the very point: the reward is quiet immersion in nature and history. Take your time to wander — you’ll discover that the simple act of walking the grounds becomes one of the most memorable parts of the journey.
Among Buddhist figures, the Jizo Bodhisattva (Jizō Bosatsu) is one of the most familiar to the Japanese. With a gentle, rounded face, a shaved head, and monk’s robes, holding a staff in the right hand and a wish-fulfilling jewel in the left, Jizo’s simplicity conveys the message of “always being by people’s side.” Affectionately called “Ojizo-sama,” these figures have long been integrated into everyday life. Unlike the grandeur often associated with Western religious art, Jizo statues evoke a tender, accessible presence.
Jizo worship was introduced to Japan during the Nara period in the 8th century (＊1), though it was not immediately widespread. By the mid-Heian period, however, as the Buddhist concept of the Six Realms of rebirth gained popularity, Jizo was revered as the compassionate savior of souls suffering in hell (＊1). In contrast to Western beliefs where a single judgment after death determines heaven or hell, Buddhism envisioned repeated cycles of rebirth, requiring compassionate deities like Jizo to bring salvation.
By the Edo period, Jizo also became deeply associated with protecting children (＊2). Infant mortality was high, and while in the West bereaved parents might say their child had become an angel, in Japan, a sorrowful tale described children condemned to stack stones on the banks of the underworld river. Faith in Jizo arose as a comforting belief that he would rescue these young souls.
Over time, local communities developed customs of caring for roadside Jizo statues by dressing them in red bibs and hoods, much like leaving flowers or toys at a child’s grave in the West. Through these practices, Jizo became deeply rooted as a protector in both this world and the next.
Gotokuji is not only about maneki-neko. In 2020, a newly built Jizo Hall was added, incorporating contemporary design while housing a standing Jizo Bodhisattva as its principal image. The seamless blending of modern architecture into a historic temple speaks to how tradition continues to live on today.
The Jizo takes a “hanka” posture, with one leg slightly lowered — said to symbolize readiness to rise at any moment to aid those in need. His staff represents opening the gates of hell, while the jewel symbolizes granting wishes. Gotokuji’s Jizo carries these timeless attributes.
While the beckoning cats capture much attention, pausing quietly before the Jizo Hall can be profoundly moving. Meeting the Jizo’s serene smile has a calming effect, reminding you of a universal tenderness that transcends culture. This encounter offers a deeper understanding of Japanese spirituality and the enduring grace of Buddhist art.
A sustainable way to explore temples today is by using a Tesla EV. As of 2024, Tokyo offers around 96 Tesla Superchargers (＊1), with hubs in Shinjuku, Hibiya, and other central locations. This extensive infrastructure reassures travelers from abroad.
Charging stations are also available near Setagaya, making it easy to drive directly to Gotokuji. Tesla rentals and guided tours using EVs are available in Tokyo, offering flexibility beyond public transit. Driving an EV means moving quietly and without emissions, preserving the peaceful temple atmosphere. Gotokuji even has a small free parking lot for visitors.
Should you need to recharge en route, it’s the perfect excuse to pause for a café break or neighborhood stroll. Compared with conventional cars, your carbon footprint is dramatically reduced. A Tesla-powered temple journey is a new travel style: honoring tradition while caring for the planet.
Setagaya, home to Gotokuji, is also a leader in eco-friendly city planning. With over 400 parks, the ward is pursuing the “Setagaya Green 33” plan, aiming for 33% greenery by its 100th anniversary in 2032 (＊2). These efforts mitigate CO2 and urban heat, making it one of Tokyo’s greenest wards.
Temples, too, protect local biodiversity. The woodlands within their grounds, once known as chinju no mori (sacred groves), provide habitats for birds and insects. At Gotokuji, you can observe this natural cycle, from cool shade in summer to fallen leaves returning to soil in autumn.
At the community level, initiatives like reducing plastic waste or using reusable tableware at events reflect a grassroots sustainability effort. While Japan is sometimes questioned abroad on environmental commitment, local projects like these show real progress.
Combining Tesla travel with these green initiatives enriches your journey — making it not just a cultural pilgrimage but a contribution to a sustainable future.
Gotokuji is easy to reach by train or car. From Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line, it’s a 15-minute walk; from Miyanosaka Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line, just five minutes (＊1).
From Shinjuku, it’s only about 15 minutes by train. The walk from the station passes through quiet residential streets dotted with small shops, giving you a glimpse of everyday Tokyo life — a precious contrast to touristy districts.
By car, it’s about 30–40 minutes from central Tokyo via the Shuto Expressway. Gotokuji has a small free parking lot, though nearby roads are narrow, so careful driving is required. Buses from Shinjuku and Shibuya also provide access. Choose what best fits your schedule for a relaxed visit.
After exploring Gotokuji, you can extend your journey to nearby museums and galleries. The Setagaya Local History Museum is just 15 minutes’ walk away, located in Setagaya Castle Park, and was Tokyo’s first public regional museum when it opened in 1964 (＊2). Exhibits here deepen your understanding of the Ii clan and the area’s heritage.
Art lovers should not miss the Gotoh Museum near Kaminoge Station. Opened in 1960 by Tokyu Group founder Keita Gotoh, it houses some 5,000 works, including five National Treasures and 50 Important Cultural Properties. Among them is the famed Genji Monogatari Emaki (Tale of Genji picture scrolls), considered a pinnacle of Japanese art akin to Western illuminated manuscripts (＊3).
The area also features smaller galleries and ateliers, offering encounters with contemporary art, ceramics, and textiles. Unlike crowded major museums, these spaces let you enjoy art at a slower pace, enriching your journey with unique discoveries.
Choosing the right hotel enhances your cultural exploration. For elegance and comfort, modern-classic hotels in Tokyo are ideal.
The Tokyo Station Hotel, housed in the historic Marunouchi Station building, combines over a century of history with a 2012 renovation in European classic style (＊1). Its arched ceilings and round windows recall French châteaux, offering a stay that feels timeless yet cosmopolitan.
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, famous for its vast Japanese garden, offers another kind of oasis. Here you can enjoy seasonal nature, birdsong, and even fireflies — all within the city. Its retro-modern rooms and attentive service create a haven of relaxation (＊2).
After a day exploring Gotokuji, spending the night in such refined spaces allows you to savor the journey in both mind and body.
Travel also means meeting people. Around Gotokuji and Tokyo, opportunities abound to engage with curators, historians, or artists. Guided tours by local experts reveal hidden stories of the Ii clan, the origins of maneki-neko, and temple architecture in detail.
Art enthusiasts can join gallery talks or workshops by contemporary sculptors specializing in Buddhist statues. Whether learning through lectures or carving a miniature figure yourself, these experiences bring Buddhist culture closer.
Hotels and inns sometimes host cultural events too — tea ceremonies led by masters, or private art-viewing evenings. These intimate encounters move you beyond being a spectator, offering genuine cultural dialogue. Sharing perspectives across borders, you’ll discover learning that can only happen here, creating moments of profound connection.
This journey through Tokyo’s Gotokuji and Jizo statues offered a well-rounded experience of history, art, and spirituality. The charming maneki-neko conveyed tales of destiny, while the dignified Jizo statues revealed the compassion central to Japanese faith.
Traveling by Tesla brought a future-forward, eco-friendly dimension, blending seamlessly with traditions. In this way, Japan shows how it treasures heritage while embracing new values.
Japanese culture, open to visitors from diverse backgrounds, reveals universal beauty and humanity when explored closely. You return home carrying both intellectual insight and emotional resonance — perspectives that enrich your everyday life and expand your worldview.
May your future journeys continue to be filled with cultural discovery, personal growth, and unforgettable encounters.