[Come to Japan and bring good fortune!] Special feature on good luck spots in Tokoname

Charge up with good fortune in Tokoname! Tokoname is the largest producer of the lucky cat, a unique Japanese charm. Meeting the giant Tokonyan and other unique lucky cats will surely be an unforgettable memory! You can also enjoy visiting power spots such as sacred anime sites and historic temples and shrines. As you walk around the town, you will find hints of good fortune everywhere, such as good luck charms and sweets that are unique to the town of pottery. So, why not go on a journey of good fortune to Tokoname?

• Table of Contents
• Recharge your energy at the temples and shrines unique to Tokoname!
• Tokoname's "beckoning cats" that bring good luck

Recharge your energy at the temples and shrines unique to Tokoname!

Temples and shrines are sacred power spots where you can refresh your mind and body by visiting them! We will introduce some temples and shrines unique to Tokoname that are also recommended for sightseeing.

Taga Shrine

Owari Taga Shrine, affectionately known as "Otaga-san," is known as the god of matchmaking and longevity, and many people come to worship there every year. After climbing the stone steps, an open shrine grounds surrounded by tall trees appears, where three shrines are lined up: Taga Shrine, dedicated to Izanagi-no-Mikoto; Fujisengenjinja, dedicated to Konohanasakuya-hime-no-Mikoto; and Yamajinja, dedicated to Oyamazumi-no-Mikoto.
🦀Lots of crabs!🦀

The shrine has a long history, and is said to have been established in 1621 by the Yamabushi Shogen, who enshrined the shrine from Taga Taisha in Omi Province. At the time, it is said that a crab was riding on Shogen's back, and so the shrine enshrines crabs as messengers of the gods. When you visit, try to find the crabs that appear on the votive plaques and chozuya (purification fountain).

🌳Aichi Prefecture designated natural monument "Ogatamanoki"

The name "Ogatama" comes from "Okitama" (inviting spirits), and the branches were offered to the altar to invite the spirits, hence the name "Ogatama." Taga Shrine is home to over 60 Ogatama trees, both large and small, which are said to be "sacred trees" and "auspicious trees." The sacred tree next to the worship hall is the largest in the shrine grounds, standing 18m tall! In early spring, it blooms with whitish purple flowers and bears vermilion berries.

For more information about Taga Shrine, click here

Shinmei Shrine

It is about a 10-minute walk from Meitetsu Tokoname Station. This shrine is located close to the Yakimono Sanpo (Ceramics Walk) and the climbing kiln. If you go up to the precincts, you can look down on the beautiful townscape with its chimney roofs. Please visit the shrine when you go to the Yakimono Sanpo (Ceramics Walk).

🐕The realistic guardian lion statues are the work of Tokoname ware craftsmen

At the entrance to the shrine, two large guardian lion statues face each other across the stone steps. These impressive, powerful statues are actually Tokoname ware! They were made by local ceramic sculptors Takemasa Kataoka and Seifu Shibayama, and erected at the shrine on New Year's Day in 1942. The beautiful, smooth curves and warm colors characteristic of Tokoname ware speak to the deep religious faith of the local people.

🐈 Pilgrimage spots for the anime movie "I Want to Cry, So I Put on a Cat Mask"

The anime movie "Nakitai Watashi wa Neko wo Kaburu" was released worldwide on Netflix on June 18, 2020 and has been drawing a lot of attention. The movie depicts the actual scenery of Tokoname, and Shinmei Shrine is one of the important locations in the story.

Click here for details on Shinmei Shrine

Dounji Temple

This is a historic temple that is said to have been founded by the monk Zenkai in 1555, and is designated as the 62nd temple of the 88 Chita Shikoku Pilgrimage. The lotus flowers in summer and the autumn leaves in autumn are spectacular.

Let's visit Neko Daishi!

In the main hall, Neko Daishi, in the form of a cat, welcomes worshippers! Like Kobo Daishi, he holds a rosary in his left hand and a sanko, a sacred object of esoteric Buddhism, in his right hand and smiles softly. If you look closely at the mirror behind Daishi, you'll see another face on the back of his head! This is the appearance of "Dogyo Futari" (meaning that Kobo Daishi is always with us on our pilgrimage to sacred sites), representing us with our hands together in prayer. Perhaps you'll receive good luck if you offer some dried bonito flakes? The goshuin (shrine seal) also has a cute image of Daishi stamped on it.

For more information on Dounji Temple, click here

Laughing Lucky Cat Shrine

This shrine was built to pray for the safety of tourists and local residents who visit Tokoname. The deity, a black cat, was created by Tokoname ware modeler Ina Buhachi. You can feel the divinity in its powerful eyes.

🐈 Town Station Tokoname-yaki Yamatane

The Shofuku Maneki Neko Shrine was built inside the Machi-no-Eki Tokoname-yaki Yamatane store, a complex that offers a wide selection of goods, pottery classes, and sales of Tokoname's specialty products, with the concept of "see, make, learn, buy." There are a variety of maneki-neko cats in various designs here! The eye-catching Maneki-neko, an original Yamatane product with a modern and beautiful shape that has evolved from the Tokoname style, is also eye-catching. The Mansuke-neko was designed by Ina Takeya, a Tokoname ware prototype maker with 60 years of experience who also created the deity of the Shofuku Maneki-neko Shrine. With its gentle smile and large bell, it seems to be bringing good fortune.

Click here for details on Machi no Eki Tokoname-yaki Yamatane

Tokoname's "beckoning cats" that bring good luck

The "beckoning cat" is a lucky charm unique to Japan. Tokoname City is a major producer of this lucky charm, and there are many unique beckoning cats and cat motifs scattered throughout the city. We will introduce you to the best beckoning cat spots that will bring you good luck!

Watchful cat "Tokonyan"

Tokoname Maneki-Neko Street

A power spot unique to the cat town of Tokoname! On the concrete wall along the road from Meitetsu Tokoname Station to the east toward the Tojiki Kaikan Hall, there are a giant maneki-neko, 39 lucky ceramic maneki-neko, and 11 lifelike cats, and the area is affectionately known as Tokoname Maneki-neko Street. The lucky ceramic maneki-neko also has a signboard with the name of the artist and the "blessing" that the artist expressed, so be sure to check it out ♪

Click here for details about the guardian cat "Tokonyan"

For more information on Tokoname Maneki Neko Street, click here

Otafuku (AEON Mall Tokoname)

A giant maneki-neko (beckoning cat) called "Otafuku" greets you at the main entrance of AEON Mall Tokoname. At 6.5 meters tall, it is one of the largest Tokoname-style maneki-neko in the world. It was named "Otafuku" (Otafuku) so that it would bring good fortune to all who visit the area. Taking a photo with it might bring you good fortune!

Omusubi (AEON Mall Tokoname)

This golden Tokoname-yaki maneki-neko (beckoning cat) "Omusubi" (rice ball) is holding up its left paw, which is said to bring good luck. If you look closely, you'll see that its paws form a cute red heart shape. Touch it and say a prayer, and your wish for love may come true!

For details on AEON Mall Tokoname Maneki Neko Street, click here

For more information about AEON Mall Tokoname, click here

🐈And much more! For more information on beckoning cats, click here🐈

Tokoname Maneki-machi: Special Feature on Maneki-neko