Even amid the hustle and bustle of Tokyo, you can spot stray cats in alleys and parks. Dozing off in the sunshine or stretching out. It's soothing to watch them do so. We'll introduce you to some spots where you might encounter such cats.
Yanaka Cemetery
You might be wondering, "Cats in a cemetery?", but Yanaka Cemetery is famous as a spot where you can take photos of cats relaxing in the sun near the gravestones. Located in Yanaka, also known as "Cat Town," it is also known as a famous cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring.
If you're lucky, you might even encounter stray cats in Yanaka Ginza, just 10 minutes down Gotenzaka from the cemetery, so don't forget to check it out. Also, in Yanaka Ginza Shopping Street, there are seven wooden carvings of cats known as the "Seven Lucky Cats," and it's said that finding them all will bring you good fortune, so try to find them while you're there.
7-5-24 Yanaka, Taito-ku, Tokyo
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6 minutes walk from JR/Keisei Electric Railway Nippori Station
Oi Wharf Central Seaside Park
Oi Wharf Central Seaside Park is said to be the spot in Tokyo where you can encounter the largest number of stray cats. However, it is likely that they will be hiding in the lush greenery of the park during the busy daytime hours, so it is best to visit in the evening or at night.
If you want to increase your chances of encountering them even more, head to the riverside, about a 15-minute walk from the playground in the park, and once it gets dark, you'll find the whole area covered in cats. This is a must-see for cat lovers.
4-1-19 Yashio, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo
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(1) JR
From Shinagawa Station (East Exit), take the Toei Bus "Shinagawa 91" → Get off at "Yashio Minami" → 6 minutes on foot / From Oimachi Station (East Exit), take the Toei Bus "I 92" → Get off at "Yashio Minami" → 6 minutes on foot / From Omori Station (East Exit), take the Keikyu Bus "Mori 22" → Get off at "Chuo Koen" → 5 minutes on foot
(2) Keihin Kyuko Railway
From Omori-Kaigan Station, take the Keikyu Bus "Mori 22 Line" → Get off at "Chuo Park" → 5 minutes walk
(3) Tokyo Monorail
Get off at Oi Keibajo-mae Station → 8 minutes walk
(4)Car
Head east from Minamioi 1-chome intersection on National Route 15 → Cross Katsushima Bridge over the Keihin Canal → Turn right at the Chuo Kaihin Koen intersection and you'll be there
Zoshigaya Cemetery
Zoshigaya Cemetery, where many famous people, including novelists and musicians, are buried, was originally designed to resemble a wooded area, and even today it remains a naturally lush space filled with trees and flowers.
Cat gatherings have often been spotted on the grounds, which feel like untouched nature, and the area has become popular among cat lovers as a "hidden cat spot." However, many of the cats at Zoshigaya Cemetery are not used to people, so if you do come across a gathering, please just watch quietly. The better the weather, the higher the chance of encountering them, so it is essential to check the weather before visiting.
4-25-1 Minami-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
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(1) Subway
Get off at Higashi-Ikebukuro Station on the Yurakucho Line → 10-minute walk / Get off at Zoshigaya Station on the Fukutoshin Line → 10-minute walk
(2) JR
Get off at Ikebukuro Station → 15 minutes walk from the east exit / Take the Toden from Otsuka Station → Get off at Toden Zoshigaya Station → 5 minutes walk
Todoroki Valley
Todoroki Valley is about a 3-minute walk from Todoroki Station on the Oimachi Line, just past a residential area. Despite being in the city center, it is famous as a place where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery that changes with the seasons.
The cats that live here often appear on the walking routes, soothing the hearts of visitors. Many of the cats are used to people, so cat lovers will be delighted to know that you can touch and greet them. It's OK to pet them, but please note that feeding them is prohibited.
1-22 Todoroki, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo
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3 minutes walk from Todoroki Station on the Oimachi Line
Bonus: Cat-returning shrine "Kankokage Shrine"
At Kanekage Shrine in Tachikawa City, cats are enshrined as guardian deities. The shrine is also known as "Cat Return Shrine," and the reason it's called that is because it's said that "lost cats will return," and there are actually cases where people have had their beloved cats return after praying at the shrine. A stone statue of "Tadaima Neko" (I'm home, cat) is placed within the shrine grounds, and many worshippers come every day to offer prayers.
By the way, popular souvenirs to buy when you visit include "cat ema" (votive plaques) with cat illustrations and "cat charms" (cat charms) in the shape of a cat holding a hamaya (decorative arrow). They're both very cute, so be sure to check them out when you visit.
4-1-1 Sunagawacho, Tachikawa City, Tokyo
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(1) JR
From Tachikawa Station (North Exit), take the Tachikawa Bus bound for "Platform 1 Mitsufuji/Hakonegasaki Station" → Get off at "Sunagawa 4th" → Short walk
(2) car
Along Itsukaichi-kaido, near the traffic light in front of Sunagawa 4th Police Box
summary
This time, we've introduced some recommended cat spots in Tokyo for cat lovers, but many people may be surprised to learn that you can encounter stray cats in places you wouldn't expect to encounter cats, such as cemeteries and valleys. We've also provided tips on how to increase your chances of encountering them at each spot, so be sure to visit the locations and enjoy the unique behavior of stray cats.
Also, if you want to buy some cat goods while you're out in Tokyo, we recommend checking out Neko Masshigura, a cat goods specialty store with a focus on Japanese cats, which has two stores in the city.
