Countless lucky cats beckon at Tokyo temple

SUMMARY

A large number of people visit a Buddhist temple named Gotokuji located in the Setagaya neighbourhood of Tokyo. The temple is famous for its beckoning cat figurines that are widely believed to bring good luck and prosperity to home and businesses. Some visitors come just to snap a few photos, while others make a trip to the temple to pray and make wishes.

By APJul 10, 2019 11:59:22 AM IST (Updated)

Beckoning cat figurines are on display at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. Many believe that the cat figurines will bring good luck and prosperity to home and businesses. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Commuters ride a Setagaya Line train donned with images of beckoning cats near Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

Messages are written on the back of beckoning cat figurines at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. Some visitors come just to snap a few photos, while others make a trip to the temple to pray and make wishes. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A prayer is written on a wooden panel donned with an image of a beckoning cat at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A broken beckoning cat figurine sits on a shelf at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A tourist visiting from Hong Kong prays at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

A woman poses for photos with beckoning cat figurines at Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)