Asakusa’s Walking Course Giving You Chances to Meet Unique Cats

For all cat lovers who visit Asakusa is a must-see! This time, we’re going to introduce the ‘Asakusa’s cat spots’ from cat-shaped rice crackers to handmade cat goods by artists and real Maneki Neko (beckoning cats )that come to visit shrines. We suggest a walking course from Hotel Gracery Asakusa, so please refer to this for your trip.

Cat Face Shaped Rice Crackers are Very Cute – “Izumiya Main Store”

At the Senbei shop “Izumiya Honten Store” opened in 1950, the cat’s face-shaped rice cracker is the most popular! There are various sizes of items from the ‘Tokudai Neko Senbei’ (extra large cat rice cracker) which is as big as a rugby ball to ‘Koneko Arare’ (baby cat cubic rice cracker) which is about a 500yen size. The colorful looks are also cute such as the white color with white sugar flavor, the green color with green tea flavor, and the pink color with pink sugar. This store also prepares traditional flavors including shrimp, Aonori(dried seaweed), sesame and crystal sugar. By the way, this store has lived with cats for generations, and now there are ‘Kuro’ and ‘Nori-chan’.

Opening Hours	Monday – Wednesday, Friday – Sunday 11:00AM – 6:30PM *Please note that business hours subject to change Closed on Thursday
Address	1-1-4 Kannon Street Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 4-minute walk from Hotel Gracery Asakusa
URL	https://www.asakusa-senbei.com/

You Might See The Real Maneki Neko, White Cat “Nami-chan”!? – “Imado Shrine”

“Imado Shrines” which has benefits for matchmaking is known as one of the birthplaces of Maneki Neko, and it’s a popular spot for visiting those people who are looking for a good match and cat lovers. There are large and small various sizes of Maneki Neko in the precincts and in front of the main hall, and just looking at them makes you feel happy. Meanwhile, the white cat, ‘Nami-chan’ is famous as the real Maneki Neko. It seems that she has come to this shrine without noticing, its origin of her name is ‘Izana no Mikoto’ which is enshrined in this shrine. Some people visit from a long distance for catching a glimpse of the divine cat. However, it seems like she appears unexpectedly, so it’s up to your luck whether you can meet her or not.

Opening Hours	Open All Year Round Reception Hours 9:00AM – 4:00PM
Address	1-5-22 Imado, Taito-ku, Tokyo Prefectue
Access	*A 20-minute walk from Hotel Gracery Asakusa
URL	https://imadojinja1063.crayonsite.net/

The Handmade Cat Goods by Artists are Lined up in a Row – Asakusa Haneda

‘Asakusa Haneda’ is a select shop that gathers daily use items and interior goods under the concept of Japanese tastes of interesting and cute. Especially, the cat goods which have many fans domestically and internationally are lined up in a row in the store. It’s a great selection such as handmade tapestry by artists, towels, ornaments and Yunomi (teacups), so it seems like you couldn’t decide on the items that you want. In addition, there are also the lucky owl and flog and zodiac motifs. If you visit this store, you will find the favorite one that you want!

Opening Hours	Monday – Sunday 10:30AM – 6:00PM
Address	1-32-11 Asakusa, Taito-ku, Tokyo Prefecture
Access	A 6-minute walk from Hotel Gracery Asakusa
URL	https://www.instagram.com/asakusahaneda/