Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 8 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue worth booking?
Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue is a 3.5-hour experience in Tokyo, Japan, from $8000 per person. It scores 64 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 8 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 64 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (8)
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- From
- $8000 per person
Discover a different side of Tokyo in this charming 3.0 hour walking tour through Setagaya, a leafy, upscale neighborhood known for its peaceful shrines, historic charm, and the birthplace of Japan’s beloved lucky cat. P
What you get
About this experience
Discover a different side of Tokyo in this charming 3.0 hour walking tour through Setagaya, a leafy, upscale neighborhood known for its peaceful shrines, historic charm, and the birthplace of Japan’s beloved lucky cat. Perfect for those wanting to escape the crowds and see a more local, authentic side of the city all just a short ride from central Tokyo. ・Visit Gotokuji Temple, home to over 1,000 lucky cats and the legendary origin of the maneki-neko ・Stroll through tranquil shrines like Setagaya Hachimangu and Shoinjinja, steeped in Edo and Meiji-era history ・Experience local life in stylish shopping streets and cafés, where Tokyo’s modern charm meets timeless tradition ・During the walk through the shopping street, enjoy a free drink (up to ¥800)
What's included
Included
- Tea and coffee
- Professional guide
Not included
- Lunch
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (Available for an extra fee)
- Transportation to/from attractions
What you'll see and do
Setagaya Hachimangu
Autumn matsuri held at Setagaya Hachimangu, one of the larger shrines in Setagaya Ward. Notable for the dohyo (sumo ring) set up in the grounds of the shrine and the honosumo (奉納相撲) event.
20 minutes here
Gotokuji Temple
Gotokuji Temple is the beginning of the Kotokuin hermitage built by Kira Masatada who built Setagaya Castle in 1480. Originally it was Rinzai sect but in 1584 it became a temple of the Soto sect. There are many sights in the precincts such as the tomb of Ii Naosuke, the greatest authority of the Tokugawa shogunate in the middle of the 19th century, the three-story pagoda, the worshiping of the invincible Kannon, but the most attractive point is the good fortune beckoning cat, known as the “manekineko” to some. This lucky cat, known country-wide, is said to have been “born” here. The sight of 1,000 or more of these “cats” lined up is now one of the landscapes that represents Tokyo. It is said that the lucky cat, familiar to Japanese as a good luck symbol, is the birthplace of Gotokuji Temple. You’ll learn about the origin of the lucky cat in the guide on the day of the tour.
35 minutes here
Shoin Shrine
Shoinjinja Shrine was founded in 1882 with the master Yoshida Shoin at center. In the precincts, there are the tombs of Shoka Village school children including Yoshida Shoin, and the building which reproduced Shoka Village school. Mr. Yoshida Shoin, who was born in Hagi City in Yamaguchi prefecture in 1830, built the cornerstone of modern Japan as a spiritual leader of the Meiji Restoration, but it was executed in rest prison by Ii Naosuke, thus putting a close to a short life of 30 years. His philosophy, which is also called “Yamato Damashi (Japanese spirit),” influences the thought and way of thinking of contemporary Japanese people, including Ito Hirofumi, who became Prime Minister of Japan in the first cabinet. It is an interesting point of this area that the Shoinjinja Shrine that enshrines Yoshida Shoin, who ended the era of the samurai, and the Gotokuji Temple, where Ii Naosuke sleeps to protect the era of Samurai, is within walking distance.
25 minutes here
Carrot Tower
The landmark of Sengenjacha in Setagaya.
Pass by without stopping
Tokyu Setagaya Line
You can take this local line with full of locals after the tour.
10 minutes here
OMAKASE
The tour supplier of this activity.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Tokyo
Your guide will waiting for you with a name board at the ticket gate of Gotokuji station.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, ja, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Trip Designer Inc.
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Please join us wearing shoes that are easy to walk in because you will walk the mountain paths.
- Tour duration can be extended at a rate of 5,000 yen per group, per hour, payable in cash.
- Hotel pickup will incur an additional fee of ¥5,000 per group (for hotels in Tokyo & Yokohama area)
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 8 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
8 verified traveler reviews for Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour - particularly if you love cats!!
A fair amount of walking, but none of it difficult. Lots to see. Our guide, Eriko, was excellent - informative, engaging, and friendly. We had a wonderful time.
Response from the operator: Dear Steven, Thank you very much for joining our Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour and for sharing your kind review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the walk and that Eriko’s friendly, engaging guiding made the experience so memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another visit! Best regards, Kyoko
via Viator
A tour you should take.
Our wonderful guide, Eriko, gave us a fabulous tour with shopping, coffee, shrines and lots of cat statues on the Gotogugi and Setagaya tour. She is so knowledgeable, helpful and lovely. We highly recommend this tour.
Response from the operator: Dear Sharon, Thank you for taking the time to share your experience on our Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour! We are pleased to hear that the combination of shopping, coffee, shrines, and the many lucky cat statues made for an enjoyable and memorable visit. Your guide, Eriko, will be honored by your feedback. We sincerely appreciate your recommendation and look forward to welcoming you again in the future! Best regards, Kyoko
via Tripadvisor
Nice neighbourhood to explore in Tokyo
Knowledgeable young guide. Helpful and courteous. Was like a personal tour around the cat themed neighbourhood. Recommended.
Response from the operator: Dear Mitchel, Thank you so much for your review! We're so glad you enjoyed exploring the area with your guide. It’s wonderful to hear that the experience felt personal and informative. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you again on another Tokyo adventure! Best regards, Kyoko
via Viator
Cat temple and so much more!
We spent a fabulous half-day wit Mitsuko, who was kind, informative, and fun! We expected to just see the cat temple, but we got to go to several temples and shrines in the area, learn about the neighborhood, and even do some shopping. Mitsuko was an authentic and responsive guide who kept us engaged the whole time.
Response from the operator: Dear Valued customer, Thank you for your sweet review! We're glad to hear that you had a fabulous half-day with Mitsuko. We're delighted that Mitsuko kept you engaged and provided an authentic experience. We appreciate your feedback and hope to welcome you back for more adventures soon! Best regards, Mariko
via Viator
Gotokuji History with Yumi
Yumi was an excellent tour guide! She showed us how to enter a shrine along with purity & prayer rituals. We thoroughly enjoyed the history of every shrine including the origin of the lucky cat. Thank you, Yumi!
Response from the operator: Dear Valued Customer, Thank you very much for the wonderful feedback. We sincerely appreciate that you took the time to share your experience with us and are so glad you enjoyed your time in Gotokuji. Yumi truly is a great guide who we are very fortunate to have on our team. We hope to welcome you back when you next visit Japan! Best regards, Audrey
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $8000 to $23000
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 3
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 64
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Tokyo.
How much does Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue cost?
+
Prices start at $8000 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Tokyo usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue take?
+
Plan for about 3.5 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Tokyo is not rushed.
Is Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 64 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 8 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Tokyo, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue?
+
Around 3 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Tokyo can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Tokyo and add a light layer if any part of the 3.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Tokyo within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Tokyo?
+
Tokyo is less a city than a stack of neighborhoods with completely different opening hours. A guided food crawl through Shinjuku's Omoide Yokocho gets you past the no-tourist curtains, while the day trips west to Hakone and Fuji need an early start to be worth the fare. Our ranking weighs guide quality heavily here, because in Tokyo the guide is the product. On Outty we rank every Tokyo experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Tokyo Shinjuku Chopsticks Making Class, Tokyo : Asakusa Chopsticks Making Class, Shinjuku Night Food and Bar Crawl. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Tokyo?
+
Late March to May for blossom, October to November for clear Fuji views. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Tokyo?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Gotokuji and Setagaya Walking Tour: Home of the Lucky Cat Statue.
Pick your date
