The Birthplaces of Maneki Neko — Why Are There Multiple?
The reason there are multiple candidate birthplaces for the Maneki Neko is that its historical emergence was not a single invention in one place by one person. Rather, it took shape gradually from the Edo through the Meiji eras, as the cultures, industries, and folk beliefs of multiple regions overlapped and intertwined.
There is no academically established "one and only birthplace," but the most widely recognized candidates today are three sites in Tokyo (Gotokuji Temple, Imado Shrine, and Jishoin Temple) and Tokoname and Seto in Aichi. Each carries its own compelling legend and historical evidence.
Ii Naotaka, lord of the Hikone domain, is beckoned by a cat at the temple gate and escapes a thunderstorm. Said to be the origin of the Beckoning Cat Hall.
Unglazed clay Maneki Neko figurines begin to be made in the Imado district of Asakusa. One of the earliest documented records of the Maneki Neko.
Ukiyo-e artists including Utagawa Kuniyoshi depict Maneki Neko in a style close to the modern form. The beginning of nationwide recognition.
The development of the ceramics industry enables mass production. Distribution to shops nationwide accelerates.
Travels abroad as part of postwar export industries. Today recognized worldwide as the "Lucky Cat."
Gotokuji Temple (Setagaya, Tokyo) — The Beckoning Cat Hall and Its Thousand White Cats
In the mid-Edo period (1600s), the story goes that Ii Naotaka, lord of the Hikone domain, was returning from falconry when a white cat at the temple gate beckoned to him. He followed it inside — and moments later, a violent thunderstorm broke out. Grateful for his narrow escape, Naotaka designated Gotokuji as his family temple and supported it generously. After his death, the "Manekineko-do" (Beckoning Cat Hall) was built in memory of the cat. In the temple grounds, the "Manekineko-zuka" (Cat Mound) features rows upon rows of white Maneki Neko dedicated by worshippers — a breathtaking sight that draws visitors and photographers from Japan and around the world. The Maneki Neko of Gotokuji is characterized by its simple, plain white style with no gold coin — embodying the pure essence of "inviting fortune."
- Manekineko-zuka (Cat Mound) — The stunning sight of countless dedicated white cats lined up; one of the most popular photo spots
- Manekineko-do (Beckoning Cat Hall) — Home to the principal object of worship: the Manekineko Kannon (Beckoning Cat Bodhisattva)
- Three-Story Pagoda — A nationally designated cultural property built in the Edo period; part of the beautiful temple landscape
- Maneki Neko Distribution — The tradition is to receive a Maneki Neko with a wish in mind, then return to dedicate it as a votive offering once the wish is fulfilled
- Maneki Neko Stamp Rally — An annual event held along the Setagaya Line between Miyanosaka and Shimotakaido stations
The "Manekineko-zuka," where the greatest number of dedicated cats are gathered, is located deeper inside the temple grounds. Early morning to mid-morning tends to be quieter and easier for photography. The autumn foliage season (mid-to-late November) offers a particularly special combination of red leaves and white lucky cats.
Imado Shrine (Asakusa, Tokyo) — Imado-yaki Pottery and the Shrine of Connections
The Imado district of Asakusa is the home of "Imado-yaki" — unglazed clay figurines — and is considered one of the birthplaces of the Maneki Neko. In the late Edo period, legend has it that a poor elderly woman living in this area lost her beloved cat and, after dreaming of it, began crafting clay figurines in its likeness and selling them on the grounds of Asakusa Shrine. The shrine is now also celebrated as a power spot for love and relationships, and the pair of Maneki Neko statues in front of the main hall and the goshuin stamps draw worshippers from across Japan.
- Pair of Maneki Neko statues in front of the hall — Two lucky cats side by side, famous as symbols of "forming connections"
- Imado-yaki charms & goshuin stamps — Special lucky charms and goshuin stamps featuring Maneki Neko motifs are available
- Imado-yaki historical display — Exhibits within the shrine grounds on Imado-yaki (the original form of the Maneki Neko)
- Love-wish ema plaques — A steady stream of visitors write their wishes on heart-shaped ema plaques and dedicate them at the shrine
- Combining with Asakusa sightseeing — Within walking distance of Senso-ji Temple and the Nakamise shopping street; easy to visit during an Asakusa outing
Jishoin Temple (Shinjuku, Tokyo) — The Cat Jizo and the Legend of Ota Dokan
In the Muromachi period, a legend remains that the military commander Ota Dokan was out falconing when a cat beckoned to him. He followed it and narrowly escaped a pack of wolves — the temple that kept this cat safe and honored its memory became known as the "Cat Temple." Dokan is said to have had the cat respectfully buried and erected a stone Jizo in the shape of a cat (the Cat Jizo) in its memory. While recognized as one of the candidate birthplaces of Maneki Neko, it is far less well-known than Gotokuji or Imado Shrine — cherished by Maneki Neko enthusiasts as a "hidden sacred site known only to those in the know."
Tokoname City (Aichi) — Walking Through Japan's Number-One Maneki Neko Production Region
Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture is known as Japan's largest Maneki Neko production region, and has historically produced the majority of lucky cats distributed domestically. The "Ceramics Walking Path," where Tokoname-yaki kilns and specialty shops are clustered, is a characterful area with brick chimneys and terracotta pipe slopes still standing, dotted with Maneki Neko shops. The area's landmark is "Tokonyan" — a giant 3.8-meter Maneki Neko monument installed on a hillside, a popular social media photo spot.
- Tokonyan — The 3.8-meter giant Maneki Neko monument overlooking the town of Tokoname from a hillside; an absolute must-see
- Maneki Neko Street — Lined with specialty shops and kiln showrooms where you can choose production-region Tokoname-yaki Maneki Neko direct from the source
- Tokan-zaka (Pipe Slope) — A slope built from stacked clay pipes made in the Meiji era; a photogenic spot that brings Tokoname-yaki history to life
- INAX Live Museum — A cultural facility where you can learn about the history of tiles and ceramics
- Maneki Neko Festival — The annual Maneki Neko celebration held every September (see the festivals article for details)
Maneki Neko Museum (Seto, Aichi)
One of the world's largest specialist museums dedicated to Maneki Neko. Displaying over 3,000 lucky cats collected from Japan and around the world, it offers a wide-ranging introduction to the history, culture, and international names of the Maneki Neko. The on-site shop sells rare collector's items and regular stock, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the deep world of Maneki Neko. Renovated in 2024 with expanded content, it is the ideal place for those who want to "choose a Maneki Neko while feeling the weight of its history."
A Model Itinerary for Birthplace Pilgrimages
Morning: Gotokuji Temple (Beckoning Cat Hall & Cat Mound) → Lunch (along the Setagaya Line) → Afternoon: Imado Shrine (love connections prayer) → Asakusa sightseeing (Nakamise Street & Senso-ji) → Evening: Jishoin Temple (via Shinjuku)
Morning: Tokoname Ceramics Walking Path (Tokonyan, kiln tour, Maneki Neko shopping) → Lunch (Tokoname) → Afternoon: Maneki Neko Museum (Seto) → Stroll through Seto City's ceramics district
Summary
The birthplaces of Maneki Neko are a collection of multiple sacred sites, each with its own distinct legend and historical background. At Gotokuji Temple, you can encounter the origin of the "plain white cat that invites fortune." At Imado Shrine, you can explore the history of Imado-yaki pottery and love connections. In Tokoname, you can feel firsthand the living tradition of the production region. For anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the Maneki Neko and truly feel the power of this lucky charm, a visit to one of these sites is highly recommended.