Mitsuzō-in, Buddhist temple in Setagaya district, Japan.
Mitsuzō-in is a Buddhist temple in Setagaya featuring multiple structures arranged across its grounds, including a main prayer hall, supporting buildings, and a cemetery section. The entire site is populated with Maneki-neko statues of varying sizes and styles, which serve as focal points throughout the complex.
Founded in 1480 as Kotoku-in, the temple was renamed in 1659 to honor the Buddhist name of the Hikone Domain's second lord. This name change reflected an important development in the temple's religious identity and role.
This site holds special significance as the birthplace of the Maneki-neko, the beckoning cat figure that appears throughout the grounds in countless variations. The statues reflect a custom where visitors leave offerings to request good fortune and blessings.
The site is free to enter and open daily for visitors to explore at their own pace. Comfortable footwear is recommended since you will walk through multiple areas with different ground surfaces and slopes.
The Shofuku-den hall houses an extensive collection of Maneki-neko figures that visitors can purchase as personal offerings or keepsakes. This long-standing practice has made the temple a notable destination for those seeking traditional blessing statues with personal significance.
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