Last month, the variety of international vacationers visiting Japan exceeded 3 million for the second consecutive month. Among them, some are flocking to lesser-known spots that even many Japanese are unaware of.

One of those hidden gems is a temple situated in a residential space of Kansai. The temple’s entrance is crowded with international vacationers having fun with the greenery.

Foreign vacationers kind lengthy queues, drawn by the promise of seeing one thing particular forward. What are they looking for on the finish of the road? It is the well-known “Maneki Neko” or beckoning cats. Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo’s Setagaya is famend for its assortment of roughly 10,000 beckoning cat collectible figurines, attracting many international guests.

Many international vacationers think about it a must-visit spot in Japan. From early within the morning, quite a few international vacationers come to see the numerous beckoning cats positioned there. The temple’s historical past originates from a cat that was stated to have beckoned a feudal lord to the temple, thus saving it from a lightning storm.

One customer defined, “I heard about this place from a friend who visited a few months ago. I’m staying in Tokyo for six days and came here because it looked beautiful.”

Another customer talked about, “I came to make a wish with the beckoning cat for my family’s health.”

Although the beckoning cats are fashionable as souvenirs imbued with needs, the temple faces a dilemma. Visitors typically go away one cat behind after buying two, inscribing their pet’s title on it. However, the temple prefers that guests take the cats residence with out writing something on them, as they think about the collectible figurines sacred. The temple plans to proceed reminding guests with indicators.

Meanwhile, one other hidden gem that has captured the eye of international vacationers is a set of stairs situated simply off a predominant street in Tokyo’s Minato Ward. Tourists, principally international, line as much as take footage at this spot. The stairs result in an underground car parking zone, however they provide a novel angle for photographs with Tokyo Tower within the background.

Two vacationers from Argentina, who noticed the placement on Instagram, defined, “We saw it on Instagram and wanted to take a photo.”

Local residents may not go to this spot, nevertheless it has develop into a well-liked vacation spot for international vacationers, particularly at evening when Tokyo Tower is illuminated, making a picturesque scene. However, even at evening, be ready for lengthy strains.

Source: ANN