Written by Aarohi Narain
Thousands of lucky cats take over Seto.
What happens?
For two days every autumn, the city of Seto greets visitors with a purr.
Around Owari Seto Station, you’ll find an open-air gallery of 100 maneki neko statues created by artists from across Japan. Local restaurants join in with lunches served in porcelain cat-shaped bento boxes, while workshops invite you to paint or craft your own beckoning feline.
Fill up on cat-themed snacks and purchase souvenirs, while volunteers happily paint whiskers on your cheeks and fit you with a pair of ears.
About maneki neko
You’ve seen them before: the waving cat atop shop counters. That’s maneki neko, arguably Japan’s most famous — and beloved — talisman.
Seto is believed to be the first place to produce these iconic cat figurines. Today, there’s even an entire museum dedicated to maneki neko.
How to get there
The event takes place around Owari Seto Station.
From Nagoya Station, take the Higashiyama Line to Sakae Station. Walk to Sakaemachi Station and take the Seto Line. Get off at Owari Seto Station.
The entire journey should take around 50 minutes.
Organizers may cancel events, alter schedules, or change admission requirements without notice. Always check official sites before heading to an event.
