Maneki-neko Cat Museum & Painting Workshop in Okayama

This charming museum is one of only a few of museums in Japan dedicated to maneki-neko or beckoning cats. The maneki-neko cats are symbols of good luck–either in business or in relationships– and have been loved by Japanese people for centuries.

At the Manekineko Art Museum in Okayama, you can make your own maneki-neko and take it home with you. The figures are lightweight and easy to carry, and will be a wonderful reminder of your trip to Japan. The workshop room is attached to the museum, so you can enjoy both the museum and the workshop in one visit. Guests of all ages are welcome! Groups, families, and solo guests are all welcome.

A young artist at work. (Source: The Manekineko Art Museum Facebook page.)

A collection of finished workshop figures. (Source: The Manekineko Art Museum Facebook page.)

Meeting place: Directly at the Manekineko Art Museum. From JR Okayama Station, take a taxi (about 20 minutes) to the museum.

◆ Business hours: 10:00~17:00 (museum admission until 16:30; workshop admission until 16:00). Closed on Wednesdays

◆ Time: There is no time limit, but allow 1~2 hours for the workshop, plus at least 30 minutes for the museum if you want to visit the museum.

◆ Cost: 1,700 yen per person for the workshop; please note that admission to the museum is a separate fee (600 yen per person; 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students)

◆ Minimum number in tour: from 1 person

◆ Maximum number in tour: up to 50 people

◆ How to apply: https://en.activityjapan.com/publish/plan/19440
(You may want to use an extension to translate pages in Japanese.)

◆ Other info: Children are welcome! Solo guests are also welcome.
The museum’s website is here: http://manekineko-m.jp/

By the way, this is the maneki-neko figure that I painted in the workshop. His face is a little crooked but I think he’s very cute!