Danno Horinji Temple – Home to the Legend of the Black Maneki-Neko | MK Deep Dive

Just a few steps from Sanjo Bridge, where Kyoto’s Kamo River flows with locals and tourists, Danno Horinji Temple is easily overlooked. It’s subtle—only a quick glance between shops and cafés—but step inside and you’ll discover one of the city’s most intriguing spiritual spots. Affiliated with the Jōdo Sect, the most popular school of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan, this small temple doesn’t shout—it invites.

Pay the modest 300 yen entry fee, and you’ll enter a world that blends folklore, faith, and feline charm. The main hall, believed to have been built around 750 AD, houses a serene Amida Buddha—better known for his massive counterpart in Kamakura—that, in Jōdo teachings, offers salvation and a gentle passage into the next life. Here, Amida shares the spotlight with dozens of smaller icons, including Kyoto’s famous twist on a national symbol: the Black Maneki-Neko.

Unlike its typical white version, which raises a paw in countless shop windows across Japan, this darker variant has roots as deep as the temple’s foundation. Danno Horinji claims to be the oldest temple in Japan to depict the Maneki-Neko—and theirs has a twist. The beckoning cats here honor Shuyajin, a protective deity believed to guard the night, suppress fires, and ward off thieves. Local legend even says that black automobiles are Shuyajin’s modern messengers. Whether that’s divine intervention or just clever branding is up to you.

These black cats are available in three sizes and various poses, each conveying a specific meaning. The one with the right paw raised is believed to bring good luck—think lottery wins, successful businesses, and sudden gains. Visitors to the temple can take one home as a meaningful keepsake with lots of personality.

For a more mystical experience, plan your visit for the first Saturday of December, when the “Lucky Cat Ōmiya-kami Grand Festival” takes over the temple grounds. A hidden statue, usually concealed from view, is revealed during this annual event. Believed to hold supernatural power, the statue cannot be copied or photographed, and its appearance feels more like myth in motion than a traditional ceremony.

And still, despite all the folklore and foot traffic just beyond the gate, the temple itself remains a pocket of stillness. Monks tend the grounds and offer visitors quiet insight into Buddhist tradition. The garden is tidy and intentional—just enough to inspire reflection without feeling staged. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t try to impress, and that’s why it succeeds.

Don’t leave without visiting the shrine’s beckoning cat gallery—an unexpected delight. What started as the head priest’s private collection has expanded into a cheerful collection of donated figurines from across Japan and beyond. Each cat is labeled with its place of origin, providing a fun look at regional styles. Some are squat and cheerful, others sleek and regal. It’s a small exhibit, but full of charm and variety.

Danno Horinji Temple isn’t flashy. It doesn’t have long lines or postcard-worthy views. But for those with a curious heart—and maybe a soft spot for lucky cats—it’s one of Kyoto’s quietest gems.

Let MK Be Your Guide to Kyoto’s Hidden Corners

Danno Horinji Temple isn’t hidden on some misty mountain trail—it’s just off the main road. Easy to overlook if you’re going too fast. But step inside, and the noise quiets down. Time seems to slow. And suddenly, you’re in the presence of something older, stranger, and quieter than the city around you.

With MK’s private driver service and the discreet elegance of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II EWB, there’s no rush. No wrong turns. Just space to explore Kyoto the way it was meant to be seen—deliberately, with reverence, and a little room for the unexpected. From centuries-old temples to stories that never made the brochures, we’ll take you beyond the itinerary.

🚗 Plan your trip now with MK Guide 📍 Explore our services for premium travel options.