0171 The Manekineko Museum (Okayama Prefecture), where 800 beckoning cats from all over bring good fortune
Benefits of the Manekineko Museum
Good luck, improved fortune, matchmaking, financial luck, warding off evil, physical health and wellness, recovery from illness, longevity, family safety, academic success, and fulfillment of wishes
360-degree view of the Manekineko Museum
About the Manekineko Museum
This is a power spot in Okayama where wishes come true, drawing on the power of good fortune brought by a wide variety of beckoning cats, ranging from those made in the Taisho era to modern ones created in collaboration with artists.
Kanayama in Kita-ku, Okayama City, is lush with greenery and reminiscent of the Japanese countryside.
The Manekineko Museum, a hall of good fortune, opened in October 1994 in a renovated old folk house that harmonizes with this nature. There is a truly incredible number of beckoning cats.
White beckoning cat
Write your wish on a prayer slip and tie it in this space, and your wish will come true.
© Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
Black beckoning cat
The 'fulfillment slips' of those whose wishes have come true are dedicated here, filling the space from wall to wall. It is a space packed with the power of fulfilled wishes.
© Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
There is a difference between beckoning cats with their left paw raised and those with their right paw raised.
The left paw raised is for 'beckoning customers.' Placing one at the entrance of a shop invites customers from far away.
The right paw raised is for 'beckoning money.' They are placed near safes or in the most important locations.
There are various benefits depending on the color of the beckoning cat.
White: Good luck, Gold: Financial luck, Black: Warding off evil, Red: Warding off illness, Purple: Longevity, Pink: Good relationships, Blue: Family safety, Green: Academic improvement
A delightful point about this museum is that you are allowed to take photos of the exhibits.
You can take pictures of everything from standard to uniquely shaped beckoning cats, share them on social media, or enjoy them again after you return home.
In the 'Hyakufuku-no-ma' (Room of 100 Blessings) on the second floor, 800 beckoning cats are lined up in a spectacular sight. There is a wide variety of materials, including wood, pottery, stone, and paper. There is even a beckoning cat from the world-famous Spanish porcelain doll manufacturer 'Lladro'.
© Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
The popularity of the Japanese cultural icon, the 'Manekineko' (beckoning cat), transcends national borders.
The large beckoning cat in the center is named 'Kinpuku'.
It is made of camphor wood and weighs a staggering 100kg.
© Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
Annex 'LUCKY CATS HOUSE'
Next to the Manekineko Art Museum, there is an exhibition of unique beckoning cats that differs from the main building, and you can also experience making your own beckoning cat.
© Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
At Lucky Cats House, you can experience painting a beckoning cat.
© Okayama Prefecture Tourism Federation
You can create your own one-of-a-kind, original beckoning cat.
There are also many samples available that you can use for reference.
Located a 2-minute drive from the Manekineko Art Museum is Kinzan-ji Temple. It is the head temple of the 48 Bizen temples founded by Hoon Daishi in 749, and is the oldest ancient temple in Okayama Prefecture. It produced Eisai during the Kamakura period. It is a recommended spot to extend your trip to.