Lucky Cats Temple & Old Tokyo Yanaka 1/2-Day Walking Private Tour

The highlight of this half-day tour is Gotokuji Temple, a serene Buddhist temple with a charming legend. Originally founded in the mid-15th century, the temple later came under the patronage of the powerful Ii samurai clan, who made it their family temple for generations. Gotokuji is best known as the birthplace of the Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, a beloved symbol of luck in Japan. According to legend, during a thunderstorm, a samurai warlord from the Ii clan was beckoned into the temple by a cat. Taking shelter there, he narrowly avoided the storm—an event that inspired the tradition. Today, visitors from all over the world come to buy small white Maneki Neko statues and leave them at the temple as a gesture of gratitude or to wish for good fortune. You’ll see hundreds of these charming cat figures, creating a truly unique and photogenic scene.

Shoin Shrine is a small but historically significant Shinto shrine located in Setagaya, Tokyo. The shrine is dedicated to Shoin Yoshida, a revered intellectual and educator who deeply influenced many young samurai of the Choshu Domain. His teachings inspired a number of key figures who went on to lead the Meiji Restoration, a major turning point in Japan's modern history. Shoin was arrested by the Tokugawa shogunate for his political views and was executed at the young age of 30. After his death, his devoted students reburied his remains at this site, and later established the area as a Shinto shrine to honor his legacy. Today, the shrine remains a peaceful spot where visitors can reflect on the life and impact of a man who helped shape Japan’s future.

Yanaka is an old downtown area of Tokyo that miraculously escaped damage during World War II. The neighborhood is filled with narrow streets lined with old wooden houses. It also features a famous shopping street called Yanaka Ginza, which leads to a staircase where you can enjoy a beautiful sunset at dusk.

This large public cemetery, operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, spans a vast area and is the final resting place of many renowned figures, including the last shogun, Tokugawa Yoshinobu—the 15th Tokugawa shogun who returned power to the emperor in the mid-19th century. We'll enjoy a peaceful stroll through this serene cemetery, which is also surrounded by many local Buddhist temples.

The tour ends at Ueno Park, one of the most famous parks in Japan. The park is home to the Tokyo National Museum—the oldest and most renowned museum in the country—Ueno Zoo, and many historical sites. You can spend the rest of your day exploring and enjoying the area at your leisure.