The event information in this article is based on data available as of 2025. Dates and details may change from year to year. Please check with the relevant organizers and official websites for the latest information.
Types of Maneki-Neko Events and How to Enjoy Them
Maneki-neko related events fall into three main categories: â maneki-neko festivals organized by production areas and shopping districts; ⥠prayer ceremonies and votive events hosted by shrines and temples; and âĸ exhibitions and collection events at museums and galleries. Choosing the type that matches your purpose leads to a much richer experience.
What makes maneki-neko events special is that "the encounter with a lucky charm is inseparable from the journey and the experience itself." Unlike a lucky cat bought in a shop, a piece you discover amid the energy of a festival, or one you make yourself in a hands-on workshop, carries the unique memory of "the one I chose on that day, in that place." That, in my experience, multiplies the power of the lucky charm many times over.
Monthly Event Timeline
Many shrines and temples present maneki-neko amulets and lucky charms alongside New Year prayers for good fortune. In some cases, limited-edition maneki-neko goshuin stamps and amulets are offered during the New Year season. The period from New Year's Day through mid-January is the busiest time. "Receiving your first maneki-neko of the year at a sacred site" is a meaningful way to set an intention of good fortune for the year ahead.
Events themed around "inviting good fortune" are held at various locations to coincide with Setsubun (February 3rd). Imado Shrine offers special lucky charm presentations at Setsubun, and combining them with a maneki-neko is considered particularly auspicious. The essence of Setsubun — "driving out evil and inviting in good fortune" — overlaps directly with the maneki-neko's power to "beckon fortune," making this one of the most fitting seasons for lucky charms all year.
From Golden Week through May, galleries and museums around the country occasionally hold art and collection exhibitions themed around maneki-neko. These are great opportunities to enjoy lucky cat works by contemporary artists. The Arita Porcelain Fair in Saga Prefecture (held during Golden Week) is also an excellent chance to purchase Arita ware maneki-neko at production-area prices.
Held every year on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of September, this is Japan's largest lucky cat festival. It offers a diverse lineup of programs including a maneki-neko contest, direct kiln sales, maneki-neko painting workshops, and local cuisine. A grand annual event that draws maneki-neko fans, collectors, and potters from Japan and abroad. Once you attend, you'll want to come back every year — it's that kind of festival. For any maneki-neko lover, this is a once-in-a-lifetime must-attend event.
The autumn pottery festival season. Large-scale annual ceramic markets are held at production areas across the country, with maneki-neko featured in abundance. Events such as the "Seto Yakisoba Festival & Pottery Market" in Seto and the "Shigaraki Ceramics Festival" in Shigaraki also showcase a wide selection of lucky cats. The hands-on experience of choosing a piece while talking directly with the kiln artisans is something only possible at these production-area events.
Visiting Gotokuji Temple during the autumn foliage season in mid-to-late November offers the magical sight of the temple grounds' colorful leaves set against the rows of countless white lucky cats. It has become a popular photo spot on social media, drawing many visitors and photographers each year. The contrast of the red autumn leaves and the white cats is a sight you will never forget — a special season to visually experience the beauty of a lucky charm.
Many maneki-neko are offered at year-end "toshi-no-ichi" (year-end markets). These are also popular opportunities to replace or add to your lucky cat collection for the new year. Can be enjoyed alongside the shuttlecock paddle fairs in Asakusa. For those who value the cycle of "gratefully sending off the old maneki-neko and welcoming a new one," the year-end market is an indispensable seasonal tradition.
The Biggest Event: An In-Depth Guide to the Maneki-Neko Festival in Tokoname
The Maneki-Neko Festival held in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of September each year is Japan's largest and most authentic lucky cat celebration. Because Tokoname is the country's biggest maneki-neko production area, the passion of the production community flows directly into the energy of the event. This is a festival we hope everyone who loves maneki-neko will attend at least once.
A contest where amateurs, professionals, and kiln artisans from across Japan submit their lucky cat creations. A diverse array of distinctive works gathers each year, and the grand prize entry often generates considerable buzz. It is a continuous stream of surprises — "I had no idea a maneki-neko like this existed" — and a vivid reminder of just how broad the possibilities of the lucky cat truly are.
A hands-on workshop where you paint your own unglazed lucky cat. A popular program enjoyed by children and adults alike. You get to create a one-of-a-kind maneki-neko that exists nowhere else in the world. A lucky cat you made yourself develops a special attachment that no store-bought piece can match — one you will want to treasure for years to come.
A once-a-year opportunity for Tokoname kilns to sell at special prices. Limited-edition and discounted items that are hard to find at other times line the stalls. An event no collector can afford to miss. The best chance to get your hands on rare pieces is right when sales begin.
Food stalls offering local specialties from Tokoname and the Chita Peninsula, live performances, and displays and sales of local crafts make this a full day of enjoyment for the whole family. More than just maneki-neko, this festival lets you experience the full charm of Tokoname as a town.
Take the Meitetsu Tokoname Line to Tokoname Station, then walk about 5 minutes to the Yakimono Sanpomichi area. The journey from Nagoya Station to Tokoname Station takes approximately 30 minutes by limited express. From Chubu Centrair International Airport, Tokoname Station is about 10 minutes away, making access very convenient. Parking lots fill up quickly, so using public transportation is recommended. Staying in Nagoya the night before and heading out early the next morning allows you to browse the direct kiln sales at a relaxed pace right when they open.
Other Major Maneki-Neko Related Events
Beyond the Maneki-Neko Festival in Tokoname, maneki-neko related events are held throughout the year at various locations across Japan. Discovering that "there's a maneki-neko event near where I live too" is what brings the lucky cat into everyday life.
| Event Name | Location | Time of Year | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imado Shrine Summer Festival | Taito, Tokyo | July | Romantic luck and Imado ware presentations. Limited maneki-neko amulet sales. |
| Gotokuji Temple Shokoku-e Ceremony | Setagaya, Tokyo | Late September | Special Shokokuji hall ceremony. Maneki-neko presentations and special prayers. |
| Arita Porcelain Fair | Arita Town, Saga | May (Golden Week) | Arita ware maneki-neko available at production-area prices. |
| Shigaraki Ceramics Festival | Koka City, Shiga | October | Large selection of Shigaraki ware maneki-neko and tanuki raccoon dog figures. |
| Seto Maneki-Neko Exhibition | Seto City, Aichi | Irregular | Special exhibitions held at the Maneki-Neko Museum. |
Maneki-Neko Events Overseas
Maneki-neko are widely recognized internationally as "Lucky Cats," and displays and sales of lucky cats take place at Japanese culture events and Chinese-community festivals in various countries around the world. Seeing how Japan's maneki-neko culture has spread globally is a powerful reminder of the universal appeal of lucky charms.
- China — Lunar New Year (Spring Festival): In China, Taiwan, Singapore, and elsewhere, maneki-neko are displayed and actively sold as lucky charms during the Lunar New Year (January to February). It is a fascinating intersection of the "zhao cai mao" lucky cat culture of Asia and Japan's own maneki-neko tradition.
- Japanese Culture Festivals in the West: Lucky cats appear without fail at Japanese culture festivals held in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, and other cities. Watching local people pick up a maneki-neko as a "symbol of good luck" is a vivid illustration of how the power of lucky charms transcends cultural borders.
- Japan Festival Bangkok, Thailand: At the Japan Festival Bangkok, one of Southeast Asia's largest Japanese cultural events, maneki-neko goods are among the most popular items. When visiting Thailand, there is a curious joy in encountering a Japanese lucky cat far from home.
Tips and Things to Know Before Attending
Here is a summary of tips for getting the most out of maneki-neko events. Especially for popular events like the Maneki-Neko Festival and the Arita Porcelain Fair, preparation beforehand is key to making sure first-time visitors have no regrets.
- Popular events like the Maneki-Neko Festival and the Arita Porcelain Fair get very crowded, so plan to leave early. Visiting the direct kiln sales first thing in the morning dramatically increases your chances of finding rare pieces.
- Some direct kiln sales accept cash only, so prepare in advance. ATMs can get congested, so it is wise to withdraw money the day before.
- Maneki-neko painting workshops often require advance reservations. Check the official website for booking details before you go.
- For collectors, arriving right when the event opens gives you the best chance at rare items.
- Always check the latest event information on official social media and websites in advance. Events can be cancelled or rescheduled.
- Bring cushioning materials to protect any lucky cats you purchase on the way home. Some kilns provide dedicated boxes for large pieces.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q. When is the Maneki-Neko Festival in Tokoname held?
- The Maneki-Neko Festival in Tokoname is held every year on the fourth Saturday and Sunday of September, in the area around the Yakimono Sanpomichi in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture. It is Japan's largest lucky cat festival, featuring a variety of programs including a maneki-neko contest, painting workshops, direct kiln sales, and more. It is about a 5-minute walk from Meitetsu Tokoname Station. Please check the official Tokoname City website for the latest information.
- Q. What are the highlights of the Maneki-Neko Festival in Tokoname?
- The main highlights include a maneki-neko contest (with entries from amateurs and professionals nationwide), a workshop where you paint your own unglazed lucky cat, direct kiln sales (including limited items that are hard to find elsewhere), and local cuisine from Tokoname and the Chita Peninsula. It is a grand annual event drawing maneki-neko fans, collectors, and potters from Japan and abroad.
- Q. Are there any events where I can obtain a maneki-neko goshuin stamp?
- Imado Shrine (Taito, Tokyo) is known for its popular maneki-neko goshuin stamp, available during the summer festival in July and at other times as well. At Gotokuji Temple (Setagaya, Tokyo), a special visit to the Shokokuji hall and the presentation of lucky cats also takes place during the Shokoku-e ceremony in late September.
- Q. What should I keep in mind when attending a maneki-neko event?
- Popular events can get very crowded, so plan to arrive early. Some direct kiln sales accept cash only, so prepare in advance. Many maneki-neko painting workshops require advance reservations, so be sure to check the official website or social media for the latest information before attending. Bring cushioning materials to protect any lucky cats you purchase on the way home.
- Q. Are there maneki-neko related events overseas?
- Yes, maneki-neko are recognized internationally as "Lucky Cats," and events featuring them are held in many countries. In China, Taiwan, and Singapore, they are displayed and sold as lucky charms during the Lunar New Year (Spring Festival) in January and February. Lucky cats also appear regularly at Japanese culture festivals in the West, such as those held in Los Angeles, New York, and London.
Summary
Maneki-neko related events are held across Japan from spring through autumn, and the standout event of the year is the Maneki-Neko Festival in Tokoname in September. By choosing events that match your purpose — whether that is prayer, shopping, hands-on experience, or learning — your connection with maneki-neko grows deeper and richer. Check the annual schedule and try attending at least one.
Maneki-neko are not simply lucky charms to "display at home" — their power is nurtured through the act of encountering them at festivals and production areas, experiencing them firsthand, and bringing them home. Writing your favorite event into your calendar as "a once-a-year highlight" naturally keeps your awareness of maneki-neko alive throughout the year.