Vol.2　日本人がまだ知らない穴場スポット「豪徳寺」！お寺の歴史や見どころを紹介

ライターAYAがレポートする外国人観光客に紹介したい東京マニアック観光地！今回は招き猫発祥のお寺「豪徳寺」に行ってきました。一目見るとその光景を忘れられないほどインパクトのある豪徳寺の招き猫たち。お寺と招き猫の歴史や猫だらけの奉納所など見どころ満載の穴場スポットです！猫好きな方やユニークな日本のお寺に興味がある方は、ぜひ足を運んでみてくださいね。

Writer AYA Reports on Tokyo's Obscure Tourist Spot! This time, I visited Gōtoku-ji Temple, the birthplace of the Maneki-neko, a temple where I'd love to introduce foreign tourists. The Maneki-neko figures at Gōtoku-ji Temple leave such an unforgettable impression at first sight. The temple is full of highlights, including the history of the temple and the dedicated area filled with cats. If you are a cat lover or interested in unique Japanese temples, please consider visiting Gōtoku-ji Temple.

最寄駅は豪徳寺駅！大きな招き猫がお出迎え
The Nearest Station: Gōtoku-ji Station! Greeted by a Giant Maneki-neko

豪徳寺があるのは小田急線豪徳寺駅。駅から豪徳寺までは徒歩約10分ほどです。周辺には飲食店やコンビニ、スーパーなどがあり、こぢんまりとした雰囲気の印象。穏やかな時間が流れています。右手を挙げて後ろを向いているのはもしかして......？

Gōtoku-ji is located at Gōtoku-ji Station on the Odakyu Line. It's about a 10-minute walk from the station to Gōtoku-ji Temple. The surrounding area has a cozy atmosphere with various restaurants, convenience stores, and supermarkets. Time flows calmly there. If you raise your right hand and look back, could it be...?

豪徳寺駅の改札口を出るといきなり大きな招き猫がお出迎え！駅を降りたら一緒に記念撮影してみてくださいね。豪徳寺駅からすぐのところにある商店街にも招き猫の置き物やグッズがたくさん！商店街から豪徳寺まで歩いている時間も有意義ですよ。かわいい猫たちの姿に魅了されて歩くスペースがゆっくりになってしまうなんてことも！

As soon as you exit the ticket gate of Gōtoku-ji Station, you'll be greeted by a giant Maneki-neko! When you get off the station, take a commemorative photo with it. The shopping street near Gōtoku-ji Station also has numerous Maneki-neko figurines and goods! The walk from the shopping street to Gōtoku-ji Temple is also worthwhile. You might find yourself walking at a slower pace, captivated by the adorable cats!

招き猫だらけ！が見どころな豪徳寺とは？
.Filled with Maneki-neko! What's the Charm of Gōtoku-ji Temple?

豪徳寺は東京都世田谷区にある曹洞宗のお寺です。閑静なエリアにある豪徳寺へ足を踏み入れると、荘厳な雰囲気でありながらも緑豊かで心地がいい。こんなにも穏やかなお寺が東京にあったのか！と思ってしまうくらい、癒しスポットとも言える豪徳寺。実は国史跡にも指定された由緒ある寺院なんです！

Gōtoku-ji Temple is a Sōtō Zen temple located in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo. As you step into the serene area of Gōtoku-ji Temple, you'll experience a majestic yet lush and pleasant atmosphere. Who would have thought such a serene temple existed in Tokyo? Gōtoku-ji Temple, which can be described as a healing spot, has a long-standing history and is designated as a national historic site.

江戸時代前期の武将・譜代大名である井伊直孝が猫に手招きされてお寺に入ると、外では突然雷雨が起こりました。井伊直孝はお寺で過ごしたことにより雷雨を避けられた上、和尚との話を楽しめたことに深く感動。それが豪徳寺と招き猫のはじまりでした。このストーリーを知ると豪徳寺についてもっと知りたくなりますね！

During the early Edo period, a daimyo and military commander named Ii Naotaka was beckoned by a cat to enter the temple, and suddenly, a thunderstorm broke out outside. Thanks to staying in the temple, Ii Naotaka was able to avoid the thunderstorm and enjoy a conversation with the abbot. This event marked the beginning of Gōtoku-ji Temple and the Maneki-neko. Knowing this story will make you even more curious about Gōtoku-ji Temple!

迫力満点の招き猫たち！小判を持たない理由とは？
Impressive Maneki-neko Figures! The Reason Why They Don't Hold Koban Coins

お寺の奥に進むと突如現れるのが奉納所の招き猫たち。その猫の多さと迫力にびっくり！豪徳寺では福を招いた猫を「招福猫児（まねきねこ）」と呼んでいます。そして注目したいのが、ここにいる招き猫は小判を持たずに右手を挙げているところ！これは報恩感謝の気持ちがあれば、自然とその人のもとに福がやってくるという教えからきているのだそう。

As you proceed to the back of the temple, you'll suddenly come across the Maneki-neko figures at the dedicated area. You'll be surprised by their abundance and grandeur! At Gotokuji Temple, the cats that bring good luck are called "Maneki-neko." What you should pay attention to is that the Maneki-neko here doesn't hold a koban coin but instead raises its right paw! This is based on the belief that if you have a sense of gratitude and appreciation, good fortune will naturally come to you.

ついつい写真に収めたくなる豪徳寺の招き猫たち。奉納所では多くの外国人観光客が写真や動画を撮っていました。招き猫は商売繁盛のイメージが強かったですが、豪徳寺の招き猫の由来やストーリーを知ってから、一方的に自分の欲をお願いするよりも、人への感謝の気持ちやご縁が大切であることを学びました。

The Maneki-neko figures at Gotokuji Temple are so captivating that visitors can't help but take photos. Many foreign tourists were seen taking pictures and videos at the dedicated area. While Maneki-neko is often associated with business prosperity, learning about the origin and story of Gotokuji Temple's Maneki-neko taught me the importance of gratitude and connections rather than just selfishly wishing for personal desires.

招き猫グッズはここ！置き物やお守りが買える社務所
Get Maneki-neko Goods Here! The Office Where You Can Buy Figurines and Charms

奉納所を出てすぐのところにあるのが社務所。にっこりと笑った招き猫の看板が目印です。ここでは招き猫の置き物やお守り、絵馬などが買えますよ。社務所の中と外にはベンチが設置されているので、ちょっとした休息にもおすすめ！豪徳寺の招き猫のグッズが欲しい方はぜひ立ち寄ってみてくださいね。

Right after leaving the dedicated area, you'll find the temple office. Look for the sign with a smiling Maneki-neko. Here, you can purchase Maneki-neko figurines, charms, ema (wooden plaques for wishes), and more. Inside the office and outside, there are benches where you can take a short rest. It's recommended for those who want to get Maneki-neko goods at Gotokuji Temple to make a stop here.

社務所の中は静けさがあり、どこか懐かしい気分に浸ってしまうほど落ち着ける場所。招福猫児もずらりと並んでいますよ。ちなみに招福猫児を奉納する決まりは特にありませんが、願い事が叶った後に奉納する人が多いそう。三重塔や招き猫がデザインされた自動販売機など、ほかにも見どころがたくさんあるので、ぜひ境内を散歩してみてくださいね！

The office provides a tranquil and nostalgic atmosphere, and it's a place where you can feel calm. The Maneki-neko figurines are lined up neatly. Although there are no specific rules for dedicating Maneki-neko figurines, many people choose to dedicate them after their wishes have been granted. There are many other attractions within the temple grounds, such as the three-storied pagoda and vending machines designed with Maneki-neko, so be sure to take a leisurely stroll around the premises!

カフェにも招き猫？ほっこり気分を味わおう
Maneki-neko in Cafes? Experience a Heartwarming Atmosphere

せっかく豪徳寺に来たのなら、お寺と駅の間にある豪徳寺商店街でゆっくりするのもおすすめ。街全体で猫を推しているので猫をモチーフにしたスイーツが楽しめますよ！今回お邪魔したのはRARASAND SETAGAYAのカフェ。真夏日だったこの日に注文したのはマンゴーとオレンジのフローズンと抹茶アイス。招き猫の形をした最中のトッピングがかわいらしいです！ほかにも、今川焼きやかき氷、ベビーカステラなど種類豊富なメニューが揃っていますよ。招き猫をモチーフにした豪徳寺商店街ならではのデザート。ぜひ一度味わっていただきたい！

If you've come to Gotokuji Temple, it's also recommended to take a leisurely break at the Gotokuji Shopping Street between the temple and the station. Since cats are promoted throughout the entire street, you can enjoy sweets with cat motifs! One of the cafes I visited this time was RARASAND SETAGAYA. On this hot summer day, I ordered a frozen mango and orange drink with matcha ice cream. The topping in the shape of a Maneki-neko on the monaka (wafer) is adorable! They also offer a variety of menu items such as imagawayaki (red bean-filled pancake), shaved ice, and baby castella. These desserts, unique to the Gotokuji Shopping Street with their Maneki-neko motifs, are definitely worth a try!

カフェには英語メニューがあるので外国人観光客の方も安心できるでしょう。さらに、店内ではFree Wi-Fiも使用できるのがうれしいポイント！店員さんがフレンドリーなので、ぜひおすすめのメニューを尋ねてみてはいかがでしょうか。かわいい招き猫のお菓子やくつろぎ空間に癒されます。ほかにも、豪徳寺商店街には魅力的なお店がたくさん並んでいるので、ぜひ商店街もたっぷりと満喫してくださいね！

The café provides an English menu, so foreign tourists can feel at ease. Additionally, they offer free Wi-Fi inside, which is a convenient feature. The staff are friendly, so don't hesitate to ask for their recommended menu items. You'll be delighted by the cute Maneki-neko sweets and the cozy atmosphere. Furthermore, the Gotokuji Shopping Street is lined with many attractive shops, so be sure to fully enjoy the street as well!

体験レポを終えて～豪徳寺は外国人観光客にやさしい猫の街～
Conclusion of the Experience Report - Gotokuji: A Cat-Friendly Town for Foreign Tourists~

豪徳寺はお寺も商店街も外国人観光客が楽しめるスポットだと感じました。至る所にある猫の置き物やイラスト、お菓子など、豪徳寺はまさに猫の街！そして境内での英語表記はもちろん、商店街でも英語メニューが多く見られたので、外国人観光客は安心して観光を楽しめそう。また、日本語以外の言語で書かれた絵馬の多さにもびっくり！英語や中国語など、多くの海外の方たちが豪徳寺を訪れたことがわかりました。絵馬に書かれたみなさんの願い事が叶いますように！

I felt that Gotokuji is a spot where both the temple and the shopping street can be enjoyed by foreign tourists. Everywhere you look, there are cat figurines, illustrations, and sweets - Gotokuji truly is a town of cats! Not only are there English signs within the temple grounds, but the shopping street also has a wide variety of English menus, making it easy for foreign tourists to enjoy their visit. I was also surprised by the abundance of ema (wooden plaques for wishes) written in languages other than Japanese. It became clear that many overseas visitors, including those from English and Chinese-speaking countries, have visited Gotokuji Temple. May everyone's wishes written on the ema come true!