TOKYO

Yanakado Nekoemon Café

Create your own lucky cat in Tokyo’s nostalgic Yanaka district

In the heart of Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s most charming and historic neighborhoods, Yanakado Nekoemon Café offers a unique experience for cat lovers and craft enthusiasts.

Art & Culture Food & Drink Activities Experience

Access

Design Your Lucky Maneki-neko

Cats have long held a special place in Japanese folklore, and in recent years the combination of cats and cafés has become an iconic part of Japanese culture. Tucked away in the charming streets of Yanaka, a district known for its traditional atmosphere and cat-friendly vibes, Yanakado Nekoemon Café is housed in a beautifully renovated over 90-year-old Japanese home. Here, visitors can paint their own maneki-neko, the famous beckoning cat believed to bring good fortune. Reservations are recommended. Each cat carries a special meaning—a raised right paw attracts wealth, while a raised left paw invites customers and relationships. Guests are given a plain white ceramic figurine and water-soluble pens to create their own design. You can personalize your maneki-neko exactly how you like choosing from a variety of colors and patterns. Once completed, it is carefully wrapped, making it a perfect souvenir.

A Cozy Café with Cat-Inspired Treats

While working on your creation, you can drink tea, coffee, or even a refreshing beer, paired with cute sweets like the cat paw-shaped madeleine. The café also serves cakes and lunch options, making it ideal for a relaxing break. With its warm atmosphere and friendly staff, it’s a welcoming spot for both locals and travelers of all ages.

Explore the Traditional Streets of Yanaka

After your crafting experience, take a walk around the nostalgic streets of Yanaka. This district is one of the few in Tokyo that retains the charm of the city's past. It is home to family-owned shops, historic temples, and a well-known population of stray cats. Your visit to Yanakado Nekoemon Café will become more than just a craft activity: it will be a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, history, and feline charm of one of Tokyo’s most unique neighborhoods.

Access to Yanakado Nekoemon Café

Yanakado Nekoemon Café is open every day from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on Mondays. Closed the next day if Monday is a public holiday. It is a 6-minute walk from exit 1 at Sendagi Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line, or a 10-minute walk from the south exit at Nippori Station (JR and Keisei lines and the Nippori Toneri Liner).

Address

Yanakado Nekoemon Café 5-4-2 Yanaka, Taito, Tokyo, 110-0001

Contact

Tel: +81 3-3821-0090
Web Form: https://yanakado.com/contact.html

Business hours

11:00 - 18:00

WEB site

https://yanakado.com/c_nekoemon.html