Onomichi, Japan
Onomichi Cat Alley
A short stone alley in Onomichi lined with ceramic “Fukuishi” cats — and real community cats that still live among the slopes.
Before you go
- Early morning (around 7–9) is quieter and better for seeing live cats.
- Midday can be crowded in the narrow lane — step aside for others.
- This is a residential hillside. Keep voices low and do not feed cats unless following local community-cat guidance.
About Onomichi Cat Alley
Neko no Hosomichi (“Cat Alley”) is a narrow stone lane of about 200 meters on the slopes of Mt. Senkoji in Onomichi, Hiroshima. Since the late 1990s it has been lined with ceramic “Fukuishi” cats created by artist Haruji Sonoyama, and the path runs between Ushitora Shrine and the area near Tenneiji’s three-story pagoda. Onomichi has long been a port town with many street cats; community cats still live around these alleys. Visit quietly — this is a residential hillside — and look for both the art cats and the live ones. Early morning is usually calmer and better for spotting real cats.
Neko no Hosomichi Walking Map
Open in Google MapsA map of the stone alley from Ushitora Shrine toward Tenneiji’s pagoda. Residential hillside paths — please walk quietly. Locations are approximate.
Neko no Hosomichi Spot Guide
How to get to Onomichi Cat Alley
From JR Onomichi Station (Sanyo Main Line), walk about 15 minutes uphill toward Mt. Senkoji / Ushitora Shrine. From the Senkoji-san Ropeway foot station, it is about a 5-minute walk — use Ushitora Shrine as a landmark, then turn onto the narrow stone path.
The alley itself is free to walk and open year-round. Paths are steep and narrow; comfortable shoes help. Parking near the lane is limited — use station-area or park parking and walk.
- Take the JR Sanyo Main Line to Onomichi Station.
- Walk about 15 minutes toward Mt. Senkoji / Ushitora Shrine (or about 5 minutes from the Senkoji-san Ropeway foot station).
- Enter the stone alley beside Ushitora Shrine — look for Fukuishi ceramic cats and, if you are lucky, live community cats.
Nearby cat spots
Found a cat spot you'd like to visit?
With MeowSnap, every cat you meet —
on a trip or around the corner —
becomes a pin on your own cat map.
Free to use. Give it a try.
