A Must for Cat Lovers: Discover Japan’s Unique Bond with Cats
Japan has long had a deep affection for cats—there’s even a phrase, “neko kawaigari,” which means to pamper a cat with love and care. In Japanese culture, cats are seen not only as pets but also as symbols of good fortune, independence, and charm.
Across Japan, you’ll find famous “cat islands” like Aoshima and Tashirojima, where cats roam freely through streets and harbors, living in harmony with local communities. For many visitors, these islands are true pilgrimage spots for cat lovers.
In the cities, it’s easy to enjoy Japan’s cat culture at cat cafes and rescue cat cafes, or while browsing charming cat-themed shops and art galleries. Whether it’s through a spontaneous encounter or a planned stop on your trip, discovering Japan’s unique relationship with cats will add a little extra magic to your journey.
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Contents
- 1 A Must for Cat Lovers: Discover Japan’s Unique Bond with Cats
- 2 Your Pilgrimage Begins: Exploring Japan’s Sacred Cat Sites
- 3 Tashirojima Island (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
- 4 Sakushima Island (Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture)
- 5 Ogijima, Takamatsu, Kagawa Prefecture
- 6 Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi), Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture
- 7 Yanaka Ginza (Taito City, Tokyo)
- 8 Snapped a cat photo on your trip? Share it with us!
- 9 Can’t Make It to a Cat Sanctuary? Start Right Here in Tokyo
- 10 Cat-Themed Shopping Spots You Can Explore in Tokyo
- 11 Cat Lover’s Paradise: Tokyo’s Must-Visit Cat-Themed Shops
- 12 Share your cat encounters from your trip to Japan
Your Pilgrimage Begins: Exploring Japan’s Sacred Cat Sites
Japan is home to several “cat sanctuaries” that many cat lovers dream of visiting. There are quiet islands like Tashirojima (Miyagi), Sakushima (Aichi), and Ogijima (Kagawa), where cats live peacefully alongside locals. In Onomichi, Hiroshima, feline charm hides in the narrow backstreets. And in Tokyo, the Yanaka area in Taito Ward is known for blending a nostalgic townscape with a relaxed cat-friendly vibe.
Below, we introduce a selection of places where people and cats share everyday life in unique and meaningful ways.
Notice
Tashirojima is a small island known for its special connection with cats and its cherished cat shrine. Thanks to social media and other platforms, the island has recently gained attention from visitors both in Japan and abroad.
To help preserve the peaceful environment and protect the well-being of the cats, we kindly ask that dogs not be brought onto the island, except for service dogs. Thank you for your understanding.
Tashirojima (Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture)
“Lucky Island” Where Cats Are Honored
Tashirojima, located in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, is internationally known as “Cat Island,” where cats are said to outnumber humans. Cats have long been considered guardians of fishermen and are still deeply respected by locals today. A shrine dedicated to cats can be found on the island, symbolizing this unique bond.
Visitors arrive by ferry to discover a small, peaceful island where cats roam freely along the ports and alleyways. Many are friendly and may even approach you with curiosity. In recent years, Tashirojima has gained popularity on social media and is now a beloved destination for cat lovers from Japan and abroad. Surrounded by calm seas and quiet scenery, you can enjoy simple, heartwarming moments with the island’s feline residents.
【Notice】
Tashirojima is known for its strong cultural ties to cats and is home to a cat shrine. As the island’s environment is carefully protected, dogs are not permitted except for service animals. Thank you for your understanding.
Getting to Tashirojima
Sakushima (Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture)
Sakushima — An Island Where Art and Cats Coexist
Sakushima, located in Nishio City, Aichi Prefecture, is a scenic island floating in Mikawa Bay, known for its outdoor contemporary art installations scattered throughout the landscape. It is also beloved by cat lovers, as many relaxed cats can be found especially around Nishiko Port and Omura Beach, adding a peaceful charm to the island.
One of its most iconic artworks, the “Ohirune House” (Nap House) on the Ishigaki Coast, gained extra attention when it appeared in the Detective Conan movieThe Lost Ship in the Sky. This has made Sakushima a minor pilgrimage site for anime fans as well.
With its unique blend of art, nature, friendly felines, and anime connections, Sakushima offers visitors a special and inspiring experience that stirs the imagination and invites slow, curious exploration.
Getting to Sakushima
Ogijima (Takamatsu City, Kagawa Prefecture)
A Peaceful Island of Cats and Contemporary Art
About 40 minutes by ferry from Takamatsu City, Ogijima is a small island floating in the Seto Inland Sea, known for its peaceful fishing village charm and free-roaming cats. Around the port and through the narrow alleyways of the village, you’ll often find friendly felines relaxing and warming the hearts of passing travelers.
Ogijima is also one of the venues for the Setouchi Triennale, with unique contemporary artworks scattered throughout the island. Exploring these pieces nestled within the calm scenery of the sea and town, while encountering cats along the way, creates a truly special experience.
The island’s steep terrain and many stone steps are part of its character. As the sea breeze blows and curious cat eyes seem to guide your path, a stroll through Ogijima becomes an unforgettable memory of your journey.
Getting to Ogijima
Cat Alley (Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture)
A Quiet World of Cats Hidden in the Backstreets
Cat Alley in Onomichi, Hiroshima, is a narrow sloping path that winds from Ushitora Shrine to Tenneiji Temple—a must-visit for fans of cat-themed art.
Lining the alley are whimsical “Fukuishi Neko” (Lucky Stone Cats), created by local artist Haruji Sonoyama. These unique cat sculptures seem to gently invite passersby to explore deeper into the path.
Whether or not you encounter a real cat depends on your luck, but the walk itself is full of charm. Along the way, you’ll also find fun stops like the Maneki Neko Museum and “Fukurō no Yakata,” a traditional house-turned-cafe—perfect places to pause and soak in the slow, cat-like pace of Onomichi.
Getting to Neko no Hosomichi (Cat Alley)
Yanaka Ginza (Taito City, Tokyo)
A Bustling Old Town Beloved by Cat Lovers
Yanaka Ginza is a charming old-fashioned shopping street in Taito City, Tokyo, often referred to as a “cat town” and a must-visit for cat lovers. Throughout the neighborhood, you’ll find shops and sweets stores featuring cat-themed goods, as well as cat statues and decorations hidden in plain sight.
One standout is Manekineko Yanaka-do, a specialty shop known for its handmade lucky cat figurines crafted by designers—it’s even popular with visitors from overseas. The shop also features a cafe where you can try your hand at painting your own one-of-a-kind maneki-neko to take home.
The entire community takes pride in its connection to cats, promoting feline charm as part of the local culture and tourism. Located just a short walk from Nippori Station, Yanaka offers easy access and a rare chance to enjoy both cat encounters and the nostalgic atmosphere of Tokyo’s traditional neighborhoods.
Getting to Yanaka Ginza
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Can’t Make It to a Cat Sanctuary? Start Right Here in Tokyo
Japan is home to many “cat sanctuaries” that every cat lover dreams of visiting. But let’s face it—most of them are tucked away on remote islands or in regional towns, making them a bit tricky to reach. That’s why next, we’re introducing a selection of cat-themed shops you can easily visit right here in Tokyo. All are accessible by train, so use this list as your guide to a fun and easy cat-themed adventure in the city.
Cat-Themed Shopping Spots You Can Explore in Tokyo
While Japan is home to many “cat sanctuaries” across the country, many of them are located on remote islands or in regional towns—not exactly easy to visit on a whim. But don’t worry—Tokyo offers plenty of cat-themed encounters that are just a train ride away. From specialty shops and galleries to cozy cafes, the city is full of spots where you can indulge your love for cats. Why not start your feline adventure right here in Tokyo?
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Near Nippori Station
Neco Action
Located near Nippori Station, Neco Action in Tokyo’s Yanaka Ginza is a specialty store packed with cat-themed goods. From stationery and accessories to kitchenware, the shelves are filled with adorable feline finds. You’ll discover everything from greeting cards and stamps to mugs—perfect for adding a touch of cat charm to your daily life. Gift wrapping is available too. If you’re a cat lover, this cute and cozy shop is a must-visit.
| Address | 3-10-5 Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo 116-0013, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | Nippori Station / 4 minutes walk |
| Opening Days | Tuesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays) |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.necoaction.com/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/necoaction/ |
Nuno Fusen
Nuno Fusen is a charming shop in Yanaka Ginza filled with handcrafted items and tableware featuring adorable cat motifs—perfect for cat lovers. Inside, you’ll find an overwhelming variety of cat-themed goods lined up in every corner.
Many of the products are also displayed outside the store, inviting passersby to stop and browse. Its irresistible charm has made it a popular stop for international visitors as well.
In recent years, dog-themed items have also been added to the lineup, making it a welcoming spot for dog lovers too. It’s a delightful store where you can easily lose track of time.
| Address | 3-11-14 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 5-minute walk from Nippori Station |
| Opening Days | Monday to Sunday (Irregular holidays) |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Website | |
| https://www.instagram.com/nunofusen_yanaka/ |
Dekobokodo
Located in the Yanaka Ginza shopping street in Taito City, Tokyo, Dekoboko-do is a popular shop that mainly features glass accessories. True to Yanaka’s reputation as a “cat town,” the store is especially known for its original cat-themed glass accessories called Neko-dama. These pieces, featuring deep hues like “Night Sakura Pink,” “Forest Sea Green,” and “Deep Sea Blue,” are elegantly crafted with gold foil embedded inside the glass. The shop also offers a wide selection of items made with natural stones, creating a vibrant and charming atmosphere that reflects the spirit of cat-loving Yanaka. You’re sure to find a special piece that speaks to you.
| Address | 3-11-11 Yanaka, Taito City, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 5-minute walk from Nippori Station |
| Opening Days | Monday to Sunday (Open year-round) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.tanzawa-net.co.jp/shop/210/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/dekobokodou_yanakaginza/ |
TIM & SAILOR
Located along Yanaka Yomise-dori, about an 8-minute walk from Nippori Station and 4 minutes from Sendagi Station, TIM & SAILOR is a select shop specializing in cat-themed items and imported vintage goods. The store offers a wide variety of rare cat-themed products, original items, and charming fashion accessories perfect for cat-loving adults.
Inside, the space is packed with carefully curated cat goods from Japan and abroad, handpicked by the cat-loving owner. A dedicated pop-up area showcases works by cat artists, offering visitors the chance to discover unique and collectible pieces you won’t find anywhere else. It’s a delightful world of feline charm, made for grown-up cat lovers.
| Address | 3-13-8 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001 Casa Sato 101 |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 8 minutes from Nippori Station / 4 minutes from Sendagi Station |
| Opening Days | Wednesday to Sunday (Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays) |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Fridays only: 1:00 PM – 7:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.timandsailor.com/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/timandsailor/ |
Kaiun Yanakado
Kaiun Yanakado is a specialty shop for maneki-neko (beckoning cat) figurines, located in the heart of Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street. Inside, you’ll find a colorful array of handcrafted maneki-neko, each with its own unique expression, pose, and meaning. Whether you’re wishing for good fortune, love, or household safety, there’s a cat for every hope. The attached cafe area also offers a hands-on painting experience where you can create your very own maneki-neko. It’s a beloved destination for cat lovers from Japan and abroad—one of Yanaka’s most charming and lucky spots.
| Address | 5-4-3 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-0001, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 8 minutes from Nippori Station, 4 minutes from Sendagi Station |
| Opening Days | Monday to Sunday (Closed the following day if Monday is a public holiday) |
| Opening Hours | 10:30 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Website | https://www.yanakado.com/index.html |
| https://www.instagram.com/yanakado/ |
Near Kuramae Station
NECOREPA STORE Kuramae
NECOREPA STORE Kuramae is the flagship shop of “NECOREPA/,” a leather goods brand created by Neco Republic, an organization dedicated to supporting rescue cats. The store offers a wide selection of cat-themed accessories and fashion items, including wallets and bags made from high-quality Japanese leather.
By shopping here, customers can support cat welfare in a stylish and meaningful way. Proceeds from the store help fund Neco Republic’s rescue cat cafes, shelters, and partner volunteer organizations involved in cat welfare activities.
| Address | 1F, 4-9-8 Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0051, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 2-minute walk from Kuramae Station |
| Opening Days | Monday, Friday to Sunday, and national holidays (Closed on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday) |
| Opening Hours | 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Website | https://www.neco-republic.jp/shop/store-necorepa-kuramae |
| https://www.instagram.com/necorepa/ |
Nekoya
Tucked away in a quiet alley near Kuramae Station, Nekoya is a small cat-themed shop that opens only on weekends. The cozy interior is packed with adorable cat-themed accessories, pouches, scrunchies, coasters, and more—making it a place where you’ll discover a new favorite every time you visit.
Their Instagram features irresistibly cute items that will have your eyes turning into heart emojis. This hidden gem will make you look forward to the weekend!
| Address | 2-5-8 Torigoe, Taito-ku, Tokyo 111-0054, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | Kuramae Station – 8 minutes on foot |
| Opening Days | Friday to Sunday only |
| Opening Hours | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://nekoya.sakura.ne.jp/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/nekoya33ko/ |
Near Ochanomizu Station
Neko Zakka and Japanese Cafe Ōkanjirushi
Neko Zakka and Japanese Cafe Ōkanjirushi Zakkaten is a cozy and charming spot for both cat lovers and those with a sweet tooth. The shop is filled with one-of-a-kind cat-themed items crafted by local artists, as well as Japanese-style goods like T-shirts, tenugui towels, and interior decorations.
In the adjoining cafe, you can enjoy matcha sweets and traditional Japanese drinks while soaking in a relaxing “cat time” atmosphere.
One of the highlights is their collaboration with the Japanese tea brand Ocharaka—offering exclusive original blend teas named after real cats. Each flavor features a unique label illustration of its namesake feline, making these teas must-have, limited-edition items available only at Ōkanjirushi Zakkaten.
| Address | 1 Yushima Igarashi Mansion, 2-4-8 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0034, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 7 minutes from Ochanomizu Station |
| Opening Days | Tuesday to Sunday & national holidays (Closed on Mondays) |
| Opening Hours | Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Website | https://yushima.oukanjirushi.com/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/oukanjirushi/ |
Cat Bookstore: Jimbocho Nyankodo
Located in Tokyo’s famous book district Jimbocho, Nyankodo is a one-of-a-kind bookstore dedicated entirely to cat-themed books. From picture books and novels to photo collections, essays, and manga, shelves are packed with feline-focused reads across all genres. The displays and handwritten signs overflow with cat love, making it a joy just to browse. You’ll also find cat-themed stationery and gifts—perfect for souvenirs. A must-visit for anyone who loves both cats and books.
| Address | 2-2 Kanda Jimbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0051 (Inside Anekawa Bookstore) |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | Jimbocho Station: 1 min walk Ochanomizu Station: 10 min walk |
| Opening Days | Monday to Saturday, and national holidays (Closed on Sundays) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Website | https://nyankodo.jp/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/nyankodo/ |
Near Iidabashi Station
Fukuneko-do
Fukuneko-do in Kagurazaka, Tokyo, is a hidden gem for cat lovers, offering a charming collection of cat-themed accessories, artwork, and other playful items. The cozy shop is packed with whimsical cat-inspired goods, making you feel as if you’ve been led into a secret hideaway by a curious feline.
As you enter, you’ll be greeted by the shop’s fluffy mascot and manager, Louis II. If you make a purchase, you’ll even have the chance to snap a photo of him in all his fuzzy glory.
With so many delightful items to choose from, you’re sure to find a piece that truly speaks to you.
| Address | 4-3 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0825, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 5-minute walk from Iidabashi Station |
| Opening Days | Monday to Sunday (Irregular holidays) |
| Opening Hours | 12:30 PM – 6:30 PM |
| Website | https://fukunyanko.exblog.jp/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/louis2_fukuneko/ |
A Shop Named ‘The Cat Post Office
Just a one-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station, tucked away in a quiet alley, you’ll find a charming little shop with an unforgettable name: “The Shop Called the Cat Post Office.” True to its quirky name, the store is packed with cat-themed goods of all kinds.
As the name suggests, it also features a fun collection of postal items curated by the owner, including cat-themed stamps from Japan and around the world. The shop has recently gained international attention through word of mouth, drawing in more and more visitors from overseas.
It’s a must-visit not only for cat lovers, but also for those who enjoy retro and offbeat collectibles.
| Address | 162 Yaraichō, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0805, Japan |
| Nearest Station / On Foot | 1-minute walk from Kagurazaka Station |
| Opening Days | Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays |
| Opening Hours | Please check the latest updates on our social media |
| Website | http://4125.jp/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/postpostcat/ | |
| X | https://x.com/postcardviking |
Cat Lover’s Paradise: Tokyo’s Must-Visit Cat-Themed Shops
Tokyo is full of charming, one-of-a-kind shops that are sure to delight any cat lover. From quirky cat-themed accessories and handmade art to stylish items that support rescue cats, these spots are true havens for feline fans. Take a detour on your walk through the city and you might just stumble upon your next favorite find—or a one-of-a-kind cat treasure. Created with love by fellow cat enthusiasts, each shop offers a warm, cozy space where you can enjoy your very own “cat time.”
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