If you like cats, you must visit this temple at least once! Cat temple in Fukui [Goshatsuji Temple

  • Fukui
  • Sightseeing
Photo courtesy of Fukui Prefectural Tourism Federation
Gotanjoji Temple is a Zen temple of the Soto sect in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture, and is popularly known as a "cat temple" where cats can be seen roaming the temple grounds. The temple has long been sheltering stray and abandoned cats that have nowhere else to go, and monks who live and train at the temple take care of the cats. The temple sometimes holds adoption events, and hundreds of adoptions have taken place so far.
As you walk around the temple grounds, you will see cats everywhere, spending their time in a relaxed and carefree manner. Depending on the season and time of day, you may not see many cats hanging around, but check out the corners and sleeping areas. Twice a day, in the morning and at snack time, the cats have their meal time. When a monk places a rain gutter in a corner of the temple grounds, cats come out of nowhere to gather and eat in a tight line, making for a great photo opportunity.
Cats curl up in their beds.
And did you know that there is also a dog at Gosatte-ji Temple? Andy, a golden retriever, was originally trained as a guide dog for the blind, and is a friendly dog that rarely barks and serves as the chief priest's partner. He is a very friendly dog who rarely barks and is a great companion for the head priest. Many visitors come to the temple to see Andy.
Andy, a golden retriever
I last visited in the fall of 2019, and right after that, a 7-meter-long stone Buddha was installed in front of the main hall... It is worth seeing just because it is the largest in Hokuriku, but it is also a very rare stone Buddha with two cats on its knees. I have yet to see this stone Buddha, which is filled with Buddhist teachings and wishes for the happiness of all living creatures, so I will be sure to pay a visit next time I am in the area.

The temple is full of cats, including a cat red seal, a red seal book, and an omikujiji with a small beckoning cat. This temple is a must for cat lovers. The temple also raises funds for cat sterilization, treatment of illnesses, and other cat-related expenses such as food and medical care, so if you are interested in visiting the temple, why not pay a visit?
This red seal is current as of November 2019
Manekineko Omikuji
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