Lucky Cats @ Gotokuji: Jan. 14, 2012

I used a picture of lucky cats (which I took in the past) in my new-year card this year.

The lucky cat is believed to invite us good fortune and money. The legend was born t Gotokuji Temple in Setagaya ward, Western Tokyo.
(Previous visit of Gotokuji)

I visited the temple again and found a large number of lucky cat dolls. They were placed in three separate places and the total number may be more than 1000.


People purchase the cats, place them in their houses and return them to the temple with their gratitude after certain period.

There were few visitors in the temple. They were making new-year prayers and were smiling at the cats.