Ive been to one temple and one shrine, both of which reckoned to be the birthplace of the LUCKY NEKO
2023: Gōtokuji Temple, Setagaya, Japan - birthplace of LUCKY NEKO
there was weird disjunct when confronted with a vending machine on the Temple grounds
you get used to it, religion is money ( don't give any Yen to the "monks" outside Shinjuku station though, it will go straight into their arm, they love SPEED )
I had an awkward encounter with a NHK film crew who tried to interview me on my motives for visiting the temple, I don't think it was ever aired though
2024: ASAKUSA, Taito City. Tokyo, Japan - Imado-Jinga Shrine, also the birthplace of LUCKY NEKO:
I was busy looking around the shrine and then this fellow turned up:
Shrine > Temple
there was a flesh and blood furry cat at the Shrine, I can't say the same thing for the temple
the lady selling the charms at the official shrine outlet was lovely, she complimented my travel companion on her Grateful Dead dancing bear tee shirt
the shrine is popular with couples because they sell lucky love charms
I spent about £10