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Maneki Neko Museum

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Maneki Neko Museum

Japan’s first maneki-neko museum, where you can view and compare Approx. 800 lucky cats and also enjoy a painting experience.

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Supervised by :  Maneki Neko Museum

Japan’s first museum dedicated to maneki-neko, displaying Approx. 800 lucky cats collected from across the country. From cats raising their right paw, left paw, or both paws to those in unique poses like lying down or dancing, visitors can enjoy comparing differences in materials and expressions.

The museum consists of two buildings: the main building and the annex, “LUCKY CAT HOUSE.” In the main building, in addition to the permanent exhibition, special exhibitions by artists and seasonal exhibitions are regularly held, so the highlights of the works change depending on when you visit. At the annex, a painting experience is always available, where you can color an unglazed maneki-neko with acrylic paint and create your own one-of-a-kind lucky cat.

There is also a small cat-themed library called “library Yamaneko Bunko,” making it easy to spend time here at a relaxed pace. A museum shop is also attached, lined with original maneki-neko and works by artists, so you can enjoy picking out souvenirs.

Highlights

  • You can photograph Approx. 800 maneki-neko while comparing their materials and expressions.
  • You can also encounter maneki-neko in unusual poses and works by contemporary artists.
  • In the painting experience, you can create a one-of-a-kind original maneki-neko.
  • With both a main building and an annex, the museum also hosts seasonal exhibitions and special exhibitions.
  • You can purchase original maneki-neko goods at the museum shop.

Photos

  • Offer a wooden wish plaque at Fukuju Yokocho

    Offer a wooden wish plaque at Fukuju Yokocho

  • The painting experience, where you can make your own maneki-neko, is popular

    The painting experience, where you can make your own maneki-neko, is popular

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A

Yes, there is.

Q

Are there coin lockers?
A

No, there are not.

Q

Is re-entry allowed?
A

Yes, it is.

Q

Is there a smoking area?
A

No, there is not.

Q

Are there sightseeing spots nearby?
A

Korakuen Garden, Handayama Botanical Garden, etc.

Reviews

1

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • Gina C
    See More

    The Maneki Neko Museum is truly soothing with all the lucky cats everywhere! There are so many maneki-neko of all shapes and sizes, and each one has a different pose, expression, and special features. You can’t help but take your time admiring them one by one.

    I originally thought maneki-neko all looked pretty much the same, but once I actually stepped inside, I realized that every one really is different! Some are cute and charming, some have unusual designs, and they come in all kinds of colors and styles. There’s so much to see. Each maneki-neko has its own charm, and whether you’re hoping to attract wealth, blessings, or good luck, it feels like you can find one you like.

    The museum has quite an extensive collection, and anyone who likes cats or Japanese culture will have a great time here. I spent quite a while looking around and taking photos without even realizing it. It’s definitely a place maneki-neko fans shouldn’t miss!

Details

Name in Japanese
招き猫美術館
Postal Code
701-2151
Address
865-1 Kinzanji, Kita-ku, Okayama, Okayama Prefecture
Phone
086-228-3301
Closed on
Open daily
Hours
10:00am–5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
Admission
Adults 600 yen, elementary and junior high school students 300 yen (discount available with a disability certificate)
Access
Approx. 20 minutes by car from JR Okayama Station
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa