©Arukikata. Co. , Ltd.  |  ©Bringer Japan Z Inc.

Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)

Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.

Cat Alley (Neko no Hosomichi)

A road lined with cat-themed objects.

4.04 5

Last update :
Supervised by :  Onomichi IHATOV

Cat Alley, or Neko no Hosomichi, is the 200-meter narrow road that stretches from Ushitora Shrine in Nagae, an area of Onomichi City (Hiroshima). The road was started in 1998 when artist Shunji Sonoyama painted the “fukuishineko” lucky stone cats found along the road. Since then, it has been nicked named “Cat Alley”, an attraction loved by many visitors to Onomichi.

In addition to the round, cute stone cat designs, there are other cat motifs like tiles painted with images of cats. The road is home to many real cat paths, where generations of cats have lived and lounged.

Nearby you can also find a hidden shop made from a restored home, a museum, and other spots to visit during a stroll. One especially popular spot for cat-lovers is the Maneki-Neko Museum, a museum in Onomichi with a collection of over 3,000 lucky cats from across Japan.

Highlights

  • countless “cat” themed works to enjoy, including the fukuishi neko, hand-painted stone cats.
  • plenty of trendy shops and museums nearby.
  • the Maneki-Neko Museum is home to a collection over 3,000 different sized lucky cats from across Japan.
  • home to countless of little paths where generations of cats live and lounge.

Photos

  • Pools of light shining down on Cat Alley during the summer

    Pools of light shining down on Cat Alley during the summer

  • Cat Alley is home to many "fukuishi-neko”, lucky cat stones hand painted by Shunji Sonoyama

    Cat Alley is home to many "fukuishi-neko”, lucky cat stones hand painted by Shunji Sonoyama

  • Popular strolling spot where you can try to find as many lucky fukuishi-neko cats as you can along the way

    Popular strolling spot where you can try to find as many lucky fukuishi-neko cats as you can along the way

  • View of Cat Alley from Ushitora Shrine on a rainy day

    View of Cat Alley from Ushitora Shrine on a rainy day

  • Little shops like hidden homes and museums can be found across Cat Alley

    Little shops like hidden homes and museums can be found across Cat Alley

Reviews

5

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • 黃秋燕
    See More

    There are all kinds of cat-themed art along the street, like stone cat sculptures, murals, and wind chimes. It's so much fun to walk around and snap photos! You might even run into real cats here! They're super chill and not afraid of people at all. 😸

  • William Guo
    See More

    There are tons of mosquitoes here, so long sleeves and pants are a must. It's best to bring some insect repellent with you.

  • Ying Hsia
    See More

    There were only two or three kittens, and the path down the hill wasn't easy to walk.

  • Suju Chang
    See More

    There are actually a lot of cats along the way, and they're not shy at all. You can pet them and take pictures, and they don't mind. The locals are super friendly and definitely cat lovers.

  • 姜彩嬌
    See More

    Take the cable car up and then walk down—the route isn't too long. There aren't a lot of cats along the way, but there are some creative shops all themed around cats.

Details

Name in Japanese
猫の細道
Postal Code
722-0033
Address
Higashitsuchidocho, Onomichi City, Hiroshima
Entrance fee
Free
Closed Days
None
Access
1 min. walk from the Sanroku Station of the Senkoji Ropeway
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)
Popular Articles