Setagaya Food Tour: Snacks, Gotokuji Temple & More (Tokyo)

Gotokuji, the famous Setegaya temple adorned with countless white and red beckoning "lucky" cat statues, has become a powerful symbol of Tokyo. On this food tour, you'll see the thousands of cat statues and explore the surrounding area of Setagaya, a tranquil neighborhood known for its retro flair, with an English-speaking guide familiar with the area to lead you.

To get to Setagaya, you'll ride the local tram from Sangenjaya station to Gotokuji Temple, where, as the legend goes, during Japan's Edo period, a cat found a feudal lord lost in a thunderstorm and led him to a temple for protection. In thanks, the feudal lord dedicated the temple to the cat, and today, worshippers bring cat statues to the temple as offerings, which make for a whimsical sight. If you’re lucky, you might even catch the cat-themed tram, which runs a few times a day.

You'll be able to take photos of the temple and learn more about its history from your guide before venturing further to explore Setagaya. Your host will guide you through the dynamic Gotokuji Shopping Street to sample delicious sweets from local vendors. Known for its history and culture, Setagaya might be less famous than Shibuya or Shinjuku, but it's well worth a visit to get a glimpse of local Tokyo life.

Next, you'll visit the Setagaya Daikan House, an Edo-period thatched-roof house, one of the few in Tokyo. Exploring it will transport you centuries back to get a rare glimpse of old Edo. Next, you'll learn about shrine etiquette at Shoin Jinja Shrine, where your host will explain the history and background.

Before the tour ends, there's one more food stop! You'll stroll along Shoin Jinja Shrine Shopping Street to discover another selection of tasty local snacks before returning to Sangenjaya Station.