Gotokuji Temple and Maneki Neko: A Journey Through History and Charm

 

Hello from “chouette torréfacteur laboratoire” in Setagaya!
We are local coffee shop.

 

Today, we’d like to introduce you to our recommended sightseeing route: “Gotokuji Temple and Maneki Neko.” Spend a day exploring the historic Gotokuji Temple and its surroundings, and enjoy a delicious coffee along the way.

 

 

The History of Gotokuji Temple

 
Gotokuji Temple, located in Setagaya, Tokyo, is a Soto Zen temple known as the birthplace of the Maneki Neko (Beckoning Cat). Its history dates back to the early Edo period. According to legend, Ii Naotaka, a feudal lord of the Hikone Domain, was returning from falconry when a white cat beckoned him into the temple. As soon as Naotaka entered, a sudden thunderstorm began, and he avoided getting drenched thanks to the cat. This event led Naotaka to renovate the temple, leading to Gotokuji’s prosperity.

 

 

The Charm of Maneki Neko

 
Gotokuji Temple features a hall filled with over 1,000 Maneki Neko statues. Visitors offer these statues in hopes of household safety, business prosperity, and good fortune. The hall was renovated in 2022, and you can enjoy the beautifully maintained grounds with numerous Maneki Neko welcoming you.

 

 

Recommended Route: Enjoying Coffee Along the Way

 
To make your visit to Gotokuji even more enjoyable, we recommend taking a break at our coffee shop, Chouette Coffee. Located a 5-minute walk from Miyanosaka Station on the Tokyu Setagaya Line and a 12-minute walk from Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line, our coffee shop offers a relaxing spot to enjoy a cup of coffee while watching the Setagaya Line.

 

 

Experience Local Culture

 
Around Gotokuji, you’ll find local shopping streets and restaurants, each hiding various Maneki Neko. Strolling through these streets and comparing the different lucky cat statues is a delightful experience. Additionally, the historical buildings and rich nature of Gotokuji are worth seeing.

 

 

Conclusion

 

 
Spend a day learning about the history of Gotokuji and enjoying the local charm. Don’t forget to relax at our coffee shop, Chouette Coffee. We look forward to welcoming you!

 

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Chouette Information

 

 
Media Information

Please take a look at the media information introducing “Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire.”

【MEDIA】

 

Our Owner : Kenji Takayama

• Innovator in Low-Temperature Roasting
• Head of Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire

 

Former Cook:

• 2 Michelin Stars Spanish Restaurant San Pau
• 3 Michelin Stars French Restaurant Quintessence

 

From a young age, Kenji had epilepsy, prompting a shift from night-time restaurant work to morning-focused food services. Using the knowledge and techniques gained from his chef career, he transitioned to being a barista, mastering coffee roasting independently.

Kenji is now a coffee roasting and brewing specialist, offering consulting services to cafes, restaurants, hotels, and offices. He also assists in community revitalization projects and rehabilitation through coffee programs in disability welfare facilities.

In April 2020, Kenji launched a new subscription coffee service, ‘Chouette Blanche,’ aimed at creating a sustainable future through coffee, donating 25% of sales to four non-profit organizations.

 

Discover Our Coffee Philosophy at Concept

Concept

 

Chouette Quality (Coffee Bean Quality Assurance)

• Original low-temperature roasting
• Resting at 18℃ for 24 hours after roasting
• Coffee beans delivered in vacuum-sealed packaging

 

Shop Information 

 

[Chouette Torréfacteur Laboratoire]

Breaking free from conventions, facing people and materials head-on, creating value by living in harmony with nature.

 

[Chouette Blanche]

Bringing smiles to the world with every cup. Subscription coffee service. Our philosophy: “Changing the value of a cup of coffee.”