
Karasawayama Shrine
A serene shrine on a wooded hillside, famous for its friendly resident cats and offering breathtaking views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Karasawayama Shrine
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene shrine on a wooded hillside, famous for its friendly resident cats and offering breathtaking views of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji.
"So many cats! And the views are beautiful."

🐾 Feed the Cats
Purchase cat food at the gift shop to delight the shrine's feline residents. 🐈
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly. 🚗

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.3 · 1,043 reviews
Type
Place of Worship
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Shrine's Feline Residents
Shrine Grounds
Encounter numerous friendly cats roaming the peaceful shrine grounds. Buy food to interact with them!

Panoramic Views
Mountaintop
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Tokyo and potentially Mount Fuji from the shrine's elevated location.

Tranquil Shrine Architecture
Main Shrine Buildings
Appreciate the serene beauty and traditional architecture of this hillside shrine.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Feline Friends
Parking and Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Feed the Cats
Purchase cat food at the gift shop to delight the shrine's feline residents. 🐈
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly. 🚗
👟 Easy Hike
The walk up to the shrine is short and manageable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of scenic spots for beautiful photos, both of the shrine and the views. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Feed the Cats
Purchase cat food at the gift shop to delight the shrine's feline residents. 🐈
🚗 Parking Strategy
Arrive early, especially on weekends, as parking can fill up quickly. 🚗
👟 Easy Hike
The walk up to the shrine is short and manageable for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of scenic spots for beautiful photos, both of the shrine and the views. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the abundance of friendly cats and the stunning panoramic views from the mountaintop, often calling it a unique and tranquil experience. While parking can be a challenge, the short, easy hike and the charm of the feline residents make it a worthwhile destination for many.
"Big place, but if many people go, it's hard to find parking space. There is many cat walking and laying around, can buy food for them and play with them.But enough of cats, don't forget to enjoy the views, and the buildings and other spots. Also it is possible to watch Tokyo and Mt. Fuji"
Ninjitso
"A very nice shrine located at the top of Mt. Karasawa. There are a lot of adorable cats that are very friendly. You can buy cat food at the gift shop to feed them. The hike up to the top of the shrine is short and not difficult at all. There are plenty of places to take nice photos and the views are beautiful."
K C
"We liked the tranquility, the cats 🐈and your mom🤣!"
Matias Godoy Lissandrello
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Karasawayama Shrine is located on Mount Karasawa. While specific public transport details are scarce, driving is a common method. Be prepared for potential parking challenges during busy periods.
Yes, there is parking available, but it can become very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot.
The approach to the shrine involves a short, easy hike up the hillside. It's generally well-maintained and offers pleasant surroundings.
Information on direct public transport is limited. Driving is the most straightforward option. If using public transport, you may need to combine it with a taxi or a longer walk from the nearest station.
GPS navigation is advised. The shrine is situated on Mount Karasawa, and local signage should guide you once you are in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Karasawayama Shrine is generally free. There are no admission fees to explore the grounds and admire the scenery.
The shrine is typically open during daylight hours. Specific closing times may vary, but it's generally accessible throughout the day. Special evening events like light-ups have specific hours.
While entry is free, you can purchase special cat food at the gift shop to feed the resident felines. This is an optional purchase.
The shrine grounds are generally accessible during daylight. However, there are occasional special events like 'Mt. Karasawa Light Up' that allow nighttime visits.
While the shrine is open daily, it's always best to be mindful of respectful visiting hours, especially during early mornings or late evenings.
📸 📸 Photography
The panoramic views from the mountaintop are spectacular, offering shots of Tokyo and Mt. Fuji. The shrine's architecture and the resident cats also make for excellent photographic subjects.
Photography is generally permitted on the shrine grounds. However, always be respectful and check for any signage indicating restricted areas within sacred buildings.
Yes, you can take photos of the cats! They are quite accustomed to visitors. Just ensure you don't disturb them while they are resting or eating.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful lighting for landscape shots. Weekday mornings might provide fewer people in your photos.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expansive views, and a telephoto lens might be good for distant shots of the city.
🎫 🐱 Cat Interaction
You can buy special cat food at the gift shop to feed them. Approach them gently and let them come to you.
Yes, the cats are known to be very friendly and accustomed to visitors. They often approach people willingly.
If a cat is sleeping, it's best to let it rest undisturbed. Observe from a distance and wait for them to wake up if you wish to interact.
You can pet the cats, but always do so gently and be mindful of their reactions. If a cat seems uncomfortable, give it space.
The main rule is to be respectful. Avoid chasing them, picking them up without their consent, or feeding them anything other than the approved cat food.








Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit