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Tokonyan Big Maneki Neko

4.1
·906 reviews·Tokoname, Japan

A colossal 3.8m white cat statue beckons good fortune in Japan's historic pottery village.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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とこにゃん

Tokonyan Big Maneki Neko

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A colossal 3.8m white cat statue beckons good fortune in Japan's historic pottery village.

4.1
(906 reviews)

"Thought it was super cute. Simple joys really. The whole experience was just about 5minutes, unless you really take time to notice the efforts in the craft."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The village trail is about 30-45 mins. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all the cat sculptures and shops!

📸 Capture the Cat

The giant Maneki Neko is visible from below, but walk the pottery streets to get closer for the best photos.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.1 · 906 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tokonyan Big Maneki Neko

Tokonyan Big Maneki Neko

Tokoname Pottery Village

A colossal white cat statue beckoning good fortune, a must-see landmark.

Tokoname Pottery Footpath

Tokoname Pottery Footpath

Tokoname Pottery Village

Wander through charming streets lined with unique pottery shops and cat sculptures.

Ceramic Art Village

Ceramic Art Village

Tokoname Pottery Village

Discover diverse pottery skills and unique items for sale in this artistic enclave.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Cat Charm

Tokonyan Big Maneki Neko is a delightful, albeit brief, stop. It's part of a larger pottery village experience, so plan to explore the surrounding streets for a more fulfilling visit. Wear comfortable shoes for walking the village trails.

Best Photo Ops

The giant cat statue is the main draw, but the entire pottery village is dotted with smaller cat sculptures and art. Visit during daylight for the best lighting and to fully appreciate the intricate details of the pottery shops.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Art and Pottery in Japan

Hi! I’m going on an extended Japan trip for about 5 weeks in October and November. I have my itinerary figured out but I have some flexibility on day to day activities and day trips. I want to learn more about Japanese art and pottery/ceramics while I’m there, and I’m wondering…

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The village trail is about 30-45 mins. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all the cat sculptures and shops! Reddit

📸 Capture the Cat

The giant Maneki Neko is visible from below, but walk the pottery streets to get closer for the best photos. Reddit

🐱 Cat Lover's Paradise

If you love cats and art, this is a must-visit! Many sculptures and unique pottery items await. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Village

Don't just see the big cat; stroll the village for hidden sculptures and charming shops. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes

The village trail is about 30-45 mins. Wear comfy shoes for exploring all the cat sculptures and shops! Reddit

📸 Capture the Cat

The giant Maneki Neko is visible from below, but walk the pottery streets to get closer for the best photos. Reddit

🐱 Cat Lover's Paradise

If you love cats and art, this is a must-visit! Many sculptures and unique pottery items await. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Village

Don't just see the big cat; stroll the village for hidden sculptures and charming shops. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(906 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Tokonyan Big Maneki Neko a charming and delightful stop, especially for cat lovers and art enthusiasts. While the main statue is a quick photo opportunity, the surrounding pottery village offers a pleasant stroll with numerous sculptures and unique shops to explore. Some find the overall experience brief if they don't engage with the village's broader offerings.

"It's nassled about the pottery enclave.
A Great place to stroll about and see lots of shops from various level of pottery skills and items for sales."

BG Chung

"Very interesting place to be if you enjoy walking, cats, arts... the village trail is a 30-45mins walking distance with time for photos, stop for restroom, etc. There are many scruptures along the way, on the side walk, on the ground.
The station is two stop after the airport terminals. Other than the train, the walk is free of charge.
I would love to visit there on my next visit again."

Stephanie Chun

"Thought it was super cute. Simple joys really. The whole experience was just about 5minutes, unless you really take time to notice the efforts in the craft."

Delight Soriano-Razo

What People Like

Giant Maneki Neko statue
Charming cat sculptures
Unique pottery shops

What People Dislike

Can be a brief visit

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The statue is located in the Tokoname Pottery Village. You can reach it by train, with the station being two stops after the airport terminals. The walk through the village is free of charge. Reddit

While specific parking details for the immediate vicinity of the statue aren't widely mentioned, the Tokoname Pottery Village area generally has parking facilities available for visitors exploring the shops and attractions.

The village is best explored on foot. Follow the 'Pottery Footpath' streets to discover the various shops and cat sculptures, including the Big Maneki Neko. Reddit

Yes, it is easily accessible by train. The local station is conveniently located, making it a straightforward journey from nearby areas, including the airport terminals. Reddit

Absolutely! Tokoname Pottery Village is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a unique blend of art, culture, and charming sights like the Big Maneki Neko.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, viewing the Tokonyan Big Maneki Neko statue itself is free of charge. It's a public art installation within the village. Reddit

While the statue is always visible, the pottery shops and galleries within the village typically operate during standard business hours, usually from morning to late afternoon. It's best to check individual shop hours if you have specific places in mind.

Generally, there are no entrance fees to browse the pottery shops. You only pay if you decide to purchase items. Reddit

Visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and photo opportunities. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends. Reddit

The Big Maneki Neko statue can be seen at any time, but the shops and smaller sculptures are best appreciated during daylight hours. Evening visits might be less ideal for exploring the full artistic offerings. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

You can see the statue from below, but walking along the pottery footpath streets offers closer vantage points and unique angles for capturing the giant cat. Reddit

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of private shops and ask permission before taking photos inside them.

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. The main attraction is the visual appeal of the cat statue and the charming village atmosphere. Consider a wide-angle lens for capturing the scale of the Big Maneki Neko.

Yes! The village is filled with numerous smaller cat sculptures, unique pottery art, and charming street scenes that make for excellent photo subjects. Reddit

Yes, you can get photos with the statue. The best shots will be from a distance to capture its full size, or you can get closer for a more intimate portrait with the iconic cat.

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Tokoname is famous for its red clay pottery (Tokoname-yaki). You can find a wide variety of items, from traditional teapots and ceramics to modern art pieces and decorative items. Reddit

Yes, the village offers various dining options, including cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local cuisine and refreshments while exploring. Reddit

Prices vary greatly depending on the craftsmanship, size, and artist. You can find affordable souvenirs as well as high-end, artisanal pieces. Reddit

Absolutely! Given the prevalence of cat sculptures and the Maneki Neko statue, you'll find plenty of cat-themed pottery and souvenirs in the shops. Reddit

Besides pottery, Tokoname is known for its seafood. You might find local restaurants offering fresh catches. Also, look for unique ceramic-themed sweets or snacks.

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