The Manekineko Museum of Art is a specialized art museum that collects cat figurines that bring good luck. It's a participatory spot where you can not only appreciate them, but also write your wishes and try painting them. We'll introduce you to the highlights, a report on the experience, and information on prices and access.
2025.02.25-
Table of contents
- What is the Manekineko Museum of Art ?
- Must-see spot 1: New spot "Cat Showing Face" and Kitchomon Gate
- Highlight 2: Your wishes will come true! "Fukuju Yokocho"
- Highlight 3: The impressive collection of beckoning cats in the "Hyakufuku Room"
- Highlight 4: Works by famous artists on display
- Highlight ⑤: New attractions appearing one after another!
- Painting experience at the annex "LUCKY CATS HOUSE"
- Painting experience report
- Completion
- LibraryYamaneko Bunko
- Museum Shop
- The director, Mushiaki-san, has a lovely smile
- Basic information, opening hours, and fees
- access
- Conclusion: Bring good fortune to the Manekineko Museum of Art!
What is the Manekineko Museum of Art ?
The Manekineko Museum of Art in Okayama City is Japan's first museum specializing in maneki-neko (cat figurines that bring good luck). The museum, which was built in a 100-year-old kominka (traditional Japanese house), is a space that blends traditional Japanese atmosphere with modern design. There are approximately 800 maneki-neko on permanent display, ranging from maneki-neko from the Meiji period (1868-1912) to original maneki-neko. Photography is permitted inside the museum.
Must-see spot 1: New spot "Cat Showing Face" and Kitchomon Gate
If you go left from the parking lot, you will find the path to the main museum building, where you can complete admission procedures and register for the painting experience.
The yellow face-out panel in front of the stairs, "Face-out Cat," is a new attraction that only appeared three months ago and is perfect for taking commemorative photos. You may also be lucky if you pass through the red "Kicchomon" (auspicious gate). Be sure to check out the decoration at the top of the gate that looks like a cat taking a stroll.
Highlight 2: Your wishes will come true! "Fukuju Yokocho"
After entering the museum, turn right at the end of the street and you'll come to Fukuju Yokocho, an important attraction. The large beckoning cat here is the original character of the Manekineko Museum of Art. Each beckoning cat's color has a meaning, with white being said to bring good fortune (bring good luck) and black being said to ward off evil spirits (ward off evil). It is also said that a beckoning cat with its right paw raised "brings money," a beckoning cat with its left paw raised "brings people," and a beckoning cat with both hands raised "brings good fortune." Next to the white cat is a "negai-fuda" (a small wooden board) with a wish written on it.
Lots of wish cards!
Hanging next to the black beckoning cat are many "kanai-fuda" (come-true letters) written by people whose wishes have been granted, expressing their gratitude. Apparently, many people return to the spot as proof that their various wishes have been granted. This is a heartwarming spot where many happy wishes gather.
Highlight 3: The impressive collection of beckoning cats in the "Hyakufuku Room"
In the "Hyakufuku Room" on the second floor, you can see an impressive collection of beckoning cats. The large beckoning cat "Kinpuku" is the centerpiece, and a variety of unique beckoning cats are on display. This floor also displays traditional beckoning cats from all over Japan, as well as beckoning cats made overseas. There are also beckoning cats made from Kume clay dolls, a traditional craft of Okayama. You may even find a beckoning cat from your area, so keep looking.
Good things will happen!? The rumored beckoning cat!
On this floor, there is also a maneki-neko (beckoning cat) that is said to bring you good luck if you take a photo in the same pose as the cat. Be sure to try taking a photo in the same pose as the cat.
Highlight 4: Works by famous artists on display
The Manekineko Museum of Art not only displays traditional maneki-neko cats, but also many works by famous artists. Among the exhibits are works by Mizumaru Anzai (a famous illustrator). Mizumaru Anzai is known for his cover illustrations for works by Murakami Murakami (an internationally renowned Japanese author) and for the children's picture book "Gatangoton."
Highlight ⑤: New attractions appearing one after another!
The most surprising feature is the 7.5 meter tall "cat tree." This tree is pruned once a year (cutting off branches to maintain its shape), and at the time of our visit at the end of January, it had just been pruned. In addition to the cat tree, there are many other trees within the building that are carefully maintained, allowing you to enjoy nature.
Another highlight is the "LUCKYGATE," which opened in 2023. The convex mirror (a safety mirror installed at corners) is shaped like a cat's face, making it practical when exiting a parking lot. The small yellow gate is for children. With new attractions being added regularly, this is a museum you'll want to visit again and again.
Painting experience at the annex "LUCKY CATS HOUSE"
If you leave the main building and go to the left, you will find the annex "LUCKY CATS HOUSE." Here you can try painting your own original beckoning cat. It's a really fun experience, so I recommend it.
There is a gate with cat ears at the entrance to LUCKY CATS HOUSE. There are beckoning cats and other beckoning cat motifs all over the museum grounds, and discovering them is one of the fun things to do.
Painting experience report
In the painting experience, you first choose your favorite from three types of unglazed white beckoning cats (pottery that has not yet been painted). There are three types: one with both hands raised, one with one hand raised, and a round cat. Each has its own meaning, so you can choose one that matches the wish you want to come true, or one that matches the interior of your home.
Once you have chosen a Maneki-neko, you will be provided with a paper palette, a notepad, a bucket of water, paintbrushes, paints, etc. Think about what kind of Maneki-neko you want to make and write down your ideas on the notepad.
Once you have decided on the image, sketch it out in pencil and then start painting. The trick is to start by painting large areas and using light colors. Many of you may be picking up a paintbrush for the first time since you were a student. At first, you start painting carefully, but as you progress, you'll want to try new things. This time of concentration is a lot of fun!
Completion
Once completed, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, making you feel happy. You can then take a commemorative photo of your completed beckoning cat on the red carpet with the many other beckoning cats in the background.
The creation time was about an hour. According to the museum staff, some people create their sculptures in a short amount of time, while others take their time. There is no time limit, but if you want to create something with a particular focus, it's a good idea to have an idea of what you want to create in advance.
LibraryYamaneko Bunko
In the room next to the painting experience space, "Library Yamaneko Bunko," there are many cat picture books on display, which you can pick up and read. They can also be used as reference when thinking about the design of your beckoning cat. Also, don't miss the corner where curators (specialist staff of the museum) display books about cats they have found on their travels.
Museum Shop
The museum shop is located in the main building. The director recommends the "Maneki-fuku Neko" (the Manekineko Museum of Art original character), which has adorable round eyes and sparkling pearls, making it a special item you won't find anywhere else. You can also purchase cookies, coffee, Manekineko Museum of Art goshuin (stamps commemorating your visit to a temple or shrine), and merchandise from the nearby Kinzan-ji Temple.
The director, Mushiaki-san, has a lovely smile
We spoke with the museum director, Mushiaki Osamu. As there are many repeat visitors, he manages the museum with ingenuity to ensure that visitors have something new to discover and are impressed with each visit. "We hope that everyone will come to the Manekineko Museum of Art, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, not only to view the exhibits but also to try their hand at painting, and take home some good fortune," he said. Both the director and the curators greeted us with lovely smiles, making this a museum that left us feeling happy.
Basic information, opening hours, and fees
[Manekineko Museum of Art ]
Address: 865-1 Kinzanji, Kita-ku , Okayama City, Okayama Prefecture Kita Ward
Phone number: 086-228-3301
Opening hours: 10:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30)
Closed: None
Admission fee: 600 yen for adults, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students. Maneki-neko painting experience: 1,700 yen.
access
We recommend coming by car as we have a large parking lot. If you are using public transportation, please take a taxi from the nearest bus stop or station.
Access (car): Approximately 20 minutes from Sanyo Expressway Sanyo IC or Okayama IC
Public transport: Take the bus bound for Neopolis from JR Okayama Station for approximately 20 minutes, get off at Yamaguchi, then take a 10-minute taxi ride, or take a 9-minute taxi ride from JR Bizenhara Station.
Parking: 30 standard-sized cars, 3 large cars
Conclusion: Bring good fortune to the Manekineko Museum of Art!
What did you think? This was an introduction to the Manekineko Museum of Art. We highly recommend the painting experience, as it will give you a sense of accomplishment and happiness. There are also many other charming maneki-neko cats waiting for you that we were unable to introduce in this article. Be sure to visit and take some good fortune home with you.
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.