Cat temple by day, festival by night
Saturday, November 7, 2026 ／ Setagaya, Tokyo
Gotokuji (also spelled Goutokuji), the “lucky cat temple” of the maneki-neko beckoning cats, is on the Tokyu Setagaya Line. The line ends at Sangenjaya, and on November 7 the whole of Sangenjaya becomes a music festival: SANGENJAYA ART MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026. Here is how to do both in one day.
Legend says a cat at Gotokuji beckoned the feudal lord Ii Naotaka into the temple just before a thunderstorm, which is why it is called one of the birthplaces of the maneki-neko. After the quiet temple, Sangenjaya is the opposite: the Showa-era backstreets of Sankaku Chitai, small bars, and on November 7, music on every corner.
The day
See the thousands of maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figures. The nearest station is Miyanosaka on the Tokyu Setagaya Line, a few minutes on foot. The temple closes in the late afternoon, so go early.
Take the small two-car Tokyu Setagaya Line from Miyanosaka to Sangenjaya, the last stop (about 15 minutes). Flat fare ¥160; Suica and PASMO work.
Food from Hokkaido at Sangenjaya Fureai Hiroba (三軒茶屋ふれあい広場), Nov 7–8, 10:00–18:00. A separate event next to the festival.
Live acts, DJs, live painting and a food and fashion market at NTT SQUARE (YAGURA STAGE), plus the SMF Official BAR. Free entry, all ages.
Japanese hip-hop and reggae legends at Sangenjaya HEAVEN'S DOOR. ¥6,000 per part or ¥10,000 for both, on ZAIKO (advance until Nov 6, and on the day while tickets last).
JESSE (RIZE / The BONEZ) throws rice cakes from the festival tower at NTT SQUARE — an old Japanese custom of sharing offerings to the gods for good luck. Catch them in the marked area. Exact time on Instagram.
Hop between 5 bars with a ¥3,000 wristband pass (cash only, 20+). One free tequila highball at each bar.
Walk it with a local
Drop by the festival HQ at NTT SQUARE any time 13:00–16:00 for a 1-hour walk in English with local university students. ¥4,000, including the SANCHA NIGHT LOOP pass and the SMF towel made in Imabari. 20+.
Questions
Walk to Miyanosaka Station and take the Tokyu Setagaya Line to Sangenjaya, the last stop (about 15 minutes). If you are at Gotokuji Station on the Odakyu Line, walk to Yamashita Station on the Setagaya Line and ride to Sangenjaya.
Yes. SANGENJAYA ART MUSIC FESTIVAL 2026 takes over the whole neighborhood on Saturday, November 7: 9 main venues, 31 partner bars and 77 acts. Daytime venues are free.
The daytime venues are free for all ages. Only the SPECIAL LIVE at HEAVEN'S DOOR needs a ticket (¥6,000 per part, ¥10,000 for both). The NIGHT LOOP bar pass is ¥3,000.
Take the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line from Sangenjaya to Shibuya (2 stops, about 5 minutes).
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