Tokyo: Private tour of Beckoning Cat Painting at Yanaka

2 hours (approximately)
Offered in: English

This private tour offers a cultural experience in Yanaka, a popular strolling area for Japanese people.
Yanaka is also known as “Cat Town". It is also full of alleys, slopes, and temples, where cats can be seen relaxing in the emotional streets.
In addition to the experience of painting “Manekineko (beckoning cats),” cute ornaments that have been placed in stores as merchants' items since the Edo period, you will watch a finger puppet show.
You can design your own beckoning cat and take it home as a mascot that will continue to bring you good fortune even after the tour is over.
The finger puppets will be played in a theater dedicated to finger puppets. You can enjoy a short play that makes you laugh without words.

Recommended for those who want to experience Japanese culture with a difference!

What's Included

Finger Puppet Show
An English-speaking guide
Manekineko (beckoning cats) painting experience
Gratuities
Shopping cost (it depends on the guest and store)

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

The meeting point is in front of the South exit ticket gate of JR Nippori Station.

End point

Itinerary

Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
  • 1

    Established in 1874, the Yanaka Cemetery is a historic cemetery with many graves of famous Japanese cultural and historical figures. The cemetery is lush and quiet, and is a precious place where visitors can feel nature even though they are in the heart of the city. There are also many cats in the vicinity, and they too provide a bit of comfort to visitors.

    20 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2

    This café, housed in a renovated 90-year-old traditional Japanese house, allows visitors to paint their own "Manekineko" (beckoning cat) . You can enjoy making your own beckoning cat while drinking tea. It is up to you what kind of painting you want to do! If you are not sure how to do it, you can experience it easily and conveniently by referring to the many beckoning cats in the store. Our guide will be on hand to assist you.

    50 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3

    This is a finger puppet theater that is virtually nonexistent in Tokyo. Here, short comedies are shown for 30 minutes. There are almost no words, and the “movements” of the finger puppets naturally convey the audience's feelings, making the work funny.

    40 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 4

    Finally, we will go to a store that sells a popular Japanese snack called sembei. Made from carefully selected rice, each rice cracker is carefully baked using traditional methods. Popular products include soy sauce-flavored rice crackers and sweet rice crackers dusted with white sugar, offering a wide variety of flavors and ingredients. The store also offers a selection of gift crackers and seasonal products, which are popular as souvenirs and gifts.

    10 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Tags

Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Art Tours
Walking Tours
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New Product
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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