Japan’s affinity for cats is eminent and spans from how the country celebrates and their adoration for cats. Did you know Japan has a National Cat Day? This just goes to show how meaningful these creatures are for Japanese Culture.
Cats have been a significant attribute in Japanese mythology in various forms for centuries. These feline friends have been symbols of good luck or fortune and have also been recognized as shape-shifters.
Based on all these factors, Japan is a hotspot for worldwide cat lovers. The entire country is fond of cats, evident from the numerous places dedicated to appreciating the adorable creatures. From cat-inspired theme locations to cat temples and streets, here are some purr-fect spots for your next feline-focused Japan trip or adventure.
Kishi Railway Station
The Kishi railway station in Wakayama is a renowned cat station. It was home to the famous and beloved Japanese cat, Tama. Unfortunately, Tama died nine years ago and became a guardian deity. Nonetheless, her legacy still lives on through her successors, Yontama and Nitama, who greet passengers at Kishi.
This station’s building is uniquely crafted to resemble a cat’s face. Its exterior is designed in traditional Japanese style with stained-glass windows and a thatched roof with Tama’s name on it. There’s also a pretty train designed to resemble Tama that leaves this station.
Whether you are originally from Japan or are a visitor, this is a place you can’t afford to miss out on. Mainly to see how Tama has inspired Japan’s travel industry.
The Cat Museum
Sitting gracefully in Shizuoka, this museum grandly celebrates felines. It displays the feline family, domestic and wild, large and small, and includes information about them. Here, you will find lion, cheetah, leopard, and tiger exhibits alongside various sections devoted to global cat artworks and toys.
If you are a domestic feline lover, you can interact with your cat friends in the area set aside for them. This petting gallery allows you to relax and enjoy cuddles with various cats of different kinds, and while there, you will witness a new side to cats and marvel at how profound they can be.
Jimbocho Nyanko-do
Jimbocho Nyanko-do is a spot that has kept attracting cat lovers for a long time and gives anyone who stops by added furry cuteness. The place started as a relatively small corner in Jibocho’s Anegawa bookstore. It was opened in 2013 to revive Anegawa’s business, and since then, it has gained much popularity. Often, the owners put up pictures of the live-in kitty, Rikuo.
Jimbocho Nyanko-do has cat-related/themed merchandise ranging from tomes, magazines, stationery, accessories, cat care books, calendars, tote bags, and more. Even though most of the stock is in Japanese, you will be happy to browse the merchandise and get into a cheery, purry mood.
Sanrio Puroland
This is one of the most iconic theme parks in the Tama region. If you are a Hello Kitty fan, this place will indeed have you rejoicing just for being there. The park is whimsical and features touches dedicated to the much-loved character.
While here, you can enjoy Hello Kitty theme rides, meets and greets, and lovely merchandise. If you fancy something to eat, the park has restaurants with meals curated to resemble Hello Kitty and various Sanrio characters.
Besides the rides and themed dining, visitors can dive into the magical world of Sanrio with lively shows and parades featuring favorite characters like Hello Kitty and My Melody.
Harmonyland
Oita’s Harmonyland is a sister theme park to Sanrio Puroland that you should not miss out on. The park’s theme is cute, but what says cute more than Sanrio’s characters? It is dedicated to everything Sanrio revolves around, making it a perfect spot if you are a young-at-heart cat lover.
Hello Kitty is the center of attention in this park, and her siblings surround her. Here, you can enjoy daily rides, and live shows and savour opportunities to take Sanrio character photos. Hopping on the Ferris wheel is an excellent idea to get a stunning view of the park. If you want to spend more time with your treasured characters, you must experience Harmonyland.
Cat Temples/Shrines
If you ever find yourself in the Setagaya ward, make sure to add the Gotokuji Temple to your Japan catinerary. This temple is uniquely designed with stunning cat statues (maneki neko). The maneki neko is a significant figurine available in global businesses and serves as a good luck piece in East Asia and its diaspora.
Even though these crowded figurines are the primary attractions here and can be purchased, the Gotokuji temple doubles as an ideal evening or afternoon walk spot. As you take a stroll, you can write your wishes and prayers on the cat-themed wooden plaques, ema.
Nyan-Nyan Ji, a Gotokuji’s sister temple, is also a facility to visit, especially if you intend to source cat-inspired memorabilia. Even though it doesn’t have many live cats, you will enjoy the cat art surrounding the place, and you can also take away a cat painting or handmade goods home. You may glimpse Nyan-Nyan Ji’s cat head priest if you are lucky.
If you are in Asakusa, you can stop at the Imado shrine. It has a gift shop where you can purchase good luck charms for a cat you love.
Yanaka
Yanaka is aptly referred to as the “cat town” for obvious reasons. For one, the banners welcoming you to the town feature two cat-like felines, but oh my, don’t cats permeate this old town? They are literally everywhere.
Apart from the massive population of cats around the streets and cemeteries, this town is also famous for its historic temples and traditional architecture. The way of life here is simpler, and the quiet atmosphere is inviting. It is what you will need to escape the city rumble.
When visiting, you can walk through the lush Yanaka cemetery, where you can spot cats lying around. Even the sweet shops here sell “cat cake” varieties. To complete your visit, you can also stop by the Kyoo-ji temple, which was very significant in the Battle of Ueno.
Cat Islands
Japan has numerous cat islands, and they are all remote paradises where you can pet kitties. Initially, the fishermen here introduced cats to protect silkworms and keep mice away, but today, they are tourist attractions for many curious folks seeking to witness the cat families that have breathed new life into the islands.
Tashirojima and Aoshima islands are the best-known and ideal for indulging your feline urges while catching fresh sea breezes. On these cat islands, there are more cats than people. While visiting, be sure to bring treats and play with fluffy and furry cats to create unforgettable memories.
Some other cat islands you can visit are Muzukishima, Enoshima, Iwaishima, Kaadarahima, Muzukishima, Geinkaishima, and Aijima.
Cat Cafés
The cat cafés are a no-brainer and a testament to how Japan adores cats and how they also reflect the country’s cultural values. Japan has, hands down, some of the best cat cafés, and if you want cats for a therapeutic experience, this is where you go.
You will find all cat breeds in these cafés, and they all have distinct personalities. How awesome would it be to sip your coffee with a cat next to you for company?
Famous cat cafés here get rather crowded, but there are also several that are not “mainstream.” These should be your best choices for bonding, observing, cuddling, or befriending the adorable creatures.
Some favorable cat coffee and snack options include Asakusa Nekoen, JaLaLa, PuchiMarry, Neko no Jikan, Cat Café Calico, Edo Cat Café, and Nyafe Melange.
Neko no Hosomichi (Cat Alley)
Cats are the stars at the alley Neko no Hosomichi, where they lay everywhere to welcome you into the city of Onomichi. This alleyway is next to the Ushitora Shrine and connects remodeled homes that have been turned into museums, restaurants, or cafés.
The Neko no Hosomichi alley is dedicated explicitly to cats. You can find lucky round stone cat designs (fuku-ishi-neko) along the alley, on the fences and roofs, and various tile motifs designed with cat images. Many cat generations are said to have lived here and continue to lounge here.
You can also visit the Maneki-Neko Museum, which is nearby, where you can find thousands of lucky cats from all over Japan. Moreover, you can pop into the trendy shops along the alley, many of which sell cat-themed items.
Cat Alley links Japan and its people with fantastic art and greenery for an unforgettable experience.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line, Japan is a dream come true for cat lovers, offering so many fun and unique experiences. From the friendly Kishi Railway Station to the fascinating Cat Museum, Japan really shows its love for cats. Whether you’re there for the culture, delicious cuisine, historical sites, or just to hang out with cats, Japan has something special for every cat lover. Just to add, the images you see here are for illustration purposes only. Thank you for reading by the way.
