真福寺, Buddhist temple in Setagaya, Japan.
Gotoku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Setagaya with buildings featuring traditional Japanese architecture, including curved roofs and wooden construction. The grounds contain several structures arranged within a quiet garden space that shows the layout of a typical temple complex.
The temple was founded in 1480 and received its current name in 1659 after Ii Naotaka, the second feudal ruler of Hikone Domain. This name change marked a turning point in the temple's ties to an influential family.
The temple displays rows of small cat figurines that visitors leave as offerings, each one connected to a centuries-old story about an animal that helped people find their way. This practice reflects how gratitude and folk beliefs continue to shape how people use this place today.
The temple sits within a short walk from Gotokuji station and welcomes visitors daily without charging admission fees. The grounds are quieter in early morning or late afternoon hours when fewer people are present.
According to legend, a cat once helped a feudal lord find his way, and this story remains deeply rooted in the temple's heritage. Visitors can trace this old tale through the countless cat sculptures scattered across the grounds.
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