The event information in this article is based on details available as of 2025. Dates and content may change year to year. Always check the latest information with the organizers or official websites before attending.
Types of Maneki Neko Events and How to Enjoy Them
Maneki Neko-related events fall into three broad categories: ① "Maneki Neko Festivals" organized by production regions and shopping districts; ② "Lucky Cat Prayer Ceremonies and Votive Events" hosted by temples and shrines; and ③ "Maneki Neko Exhibitions and Collection Events" held at museums and galleries. Choosing the type that matches your purpose leads to a much richer experience.
Monthly Event Timeline
Alongside New Year fortune prayers, many temples and shrines distribute Maneki Neko charms and lucky items. In some cases, limited-edition Maneki Neko goshuin stamps and charms are available only during the New Year season. The most festive period runs from New Year's Day through mid-January.
Events themed around "inviting good fortune" are held across Japan to coincide with Setsubun (February 3rd). Imado Shrine distributes special lucky charms during Setsubun, and combining these with a Maneki Neko is considered particularly auspicious.
From the Golden Week holiday through May, galleries and museums across Japan sometimes hold art and collection exhibitions themed around Maneki Neko. A great opportunity to enjoy Maneki Neko works by contemporary artists.
Held on the 4th Saturday and Sunday of September every year, this is Japan's largest Maneki Neko festival. A rich program of events awaits, including a Maneki Neko Contest, kiln direct sales, Maneki Neko painting workshops, and local food stalls. Maneki Neko fans, collectors, and ceramic artists from Japan and abroad converge on this once-a-year celebration.
Autumn is pottery market season. Large-scale annual ceramics markets are held at production regions across Japan, with Maneki Neko featured in great numbers. The "Seto焼きそば Festival & Ceramics Market" and the "Shigaraki Ceramics Festival" both feature abundant Maneki Neko selections.
Visiting Gotokuji Temple during the autumn foliage season in mid-to-late November offers an enchanting scene — countless white Maneki Neko set against the vivid autumn leaves of the temple grounds. This has become a popular photo spot on social media, attracting large numbers of worshippers and photographers every year.
Year-end markets (toshi-no-ichi) feature large numbers of Maneki Neko as lucky charms. These fairs are a popular opportunity to replace an old Maneki Neko with a fresh one for the New Year, or to add another to your collection. Can also be enjoyed alongside the Asakusa Battledore Fair (hagoita-ichi).
The Biggest Event: The Maneki Neko Festival (Tokoname) in Depth
The Maneki Neko Festival, held annually in Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture on the 4th Saturday and Sunday of September, is Japan's largest and most authentic celebration of the Maneki Neko.
A competition open to the general public, professionals, and kiln makers from across Japan to submit their Maneki Neko creations. A wonderfully diverse range of works, and the grand prize winner often generates considerable buzz.
A hands-on workshop where participants paint their own unglazed Maneki Neko figurine. A popular program enjoyed by all ages. Create a one-of-a-kind Maneki Neko that is entirely your own.
A rare annual opportunity for Tokoname kilns to sell at special prices. Limited and sale items that are hard to find at other times line the stalls. Not to be missed by collectors.
Food stalls featuring local specialties from Tokoname and the Chita Peninsula, live performances, and the sale and display of local crafts. A full day out for the whole family.
Alight at Tokoname Station on the Meitetsu Tokoname Line, approximately a 5-minute walk to the Ceramics Walking Path area. The journey from Nagoya Station to Tokoname Station takes about 30 minutes by limited express. Tokoname Station is also about 10 minutes from Chubu Centrair International Airport, making access very convenient. As parking lots get crowded, public transportation is recommended.
Other Major Maneki Neko-Related Events
| Event Name | Location | Time of Year | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Imado Shrine Summer Festival | Taito, Tokyo | July | Love connections; Imado-yaki distribution; limited Maneki Neko charms on sale |
| Gotokuji Temple Manekineko-kai | Setagaya, Tokyo | Late September | The Beckoning Cat Hall's special festival day; Maneki Neko distribution; special prayers |
| Arita Ceramics Fair | Arita Town, Saga | May (Golden Week) | Arita-yaki Maneki Neko available to purchase at production-region prices |
| Shigaraki Ceramics Festival | Koka City, Shiga | October | Large numbers of Shigaraki-yaki Maneki Neko and tanuki figurines on sale |
| Seto Maneki Neko Exhibition | Seto City, Aichi | Varies | Special exhibitions held at the Maneki Neko Museum |
Maneki Neko Events Overseas
Maneki Neko is widely recognized around the world as "Lucky Cat," and Maneki Neko displays and sales feature at Japan culture events and Chinese new year festivals in many countries.
- Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) — China, Taiwan & Beyond: During the Spring Festival (January–February), Maneki Neko are displayed as lucky charms in China, Taiwan, Singapore, and elsewhere, and are widely sold at festival venues.
- Japan Festivals in Western Countries: Maneki Neko appear without fail at Japan culture festivals held in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, and other cities.
- Japan Festival Bangkok, Thailand: At "Japan Festival Bangkok," Southeast Asia's largest Japanese culture event, Maneki Neko goods are among the most popular items on offer.
Tips and Things to Know Before Attending
- Popular events (Maneki Neko Festival, Arita Ceramics Fair) get crowded — leave early
- Some kiln direct-sale stalls accept cash only, so come prepared
- Maneki Neko painting workshops often require advance booking
- For collectors, arriving shortly after opening gives the best chance to find rare pieces
- Always check the latest schedule on official social media and websites in advance
- Bring padding and packaging to protect any Maneki Neko you purchase on the way home
Summary
Maneki Neko-related events are held across Japan from spring through autumn — and of these, the September Maneki Neko Festival in Tokoname is the largest and most unmissable event of the year. Whether your goal is worship, shopping, hands-on experience, or learning, choosing the right event for your purpose will deepen and enrich your relationship with the Maneki Neko. Check the annual schedule and consider attending at least one.