Tokyo, Japan (June 20-21)
Tokyo, cosmopolitan capital of 37 million, is perhaps the most sophisticated city in Asia. Skyscrapers, fancy stores, beautiful parks, historic temples, royal palaces, bustling crowds, traffic jams: it’s Tokyo.
Since we both (separately) have been to Tokyo several times, we decided to explore less mainstream attractions. Top of the “other” list was a visit to Gotokuji Temple, the Buddhist temple of the waving cat, maneki-nemo. Amusingly (?), we first were sent ($50 taxi) to the Gokokuji Temple, a rather plain, but charming shrine way out in a suburb and wondering where the cats were! Then another $50 to get to the other side of the city to see the correct one. And finally, $60 back to the boat. So, $160 to see a cat temple. But, it amortizes out to about 25 cents per cat: There were hundreds and hundreds of the waving cat statues!
Maneki-neko goes by many names: the waving cat, the lucky cat, the beckoning cat. The statues are said to bring good luck, and have become popular all over the world, especially if you are into anime. You can even buy one on Amazon.
Did you "adopt" a waving cat while visiting the temple? Has the June 27 "TBD" destination been announced between Japan and Alaska?
ReplyDeleteAdorable! My question too! - any adoptions?
ReplyDeleteWe have a temple near here called "the City of 10,000 Buddhas". Looks like you got that beat; >>10k
ReplyDeleteManeki-nekus. You'll have luck forever after this. Well worth the $160.
What a deal per cat!
ReplyDelete- Amy
DeleteCats!!! Jelly and Cosmo are delighted. (You are bringing home a cat statue, aren't you?)
ReplyDelete