Unrinji Cat Temple

A rural temple in Hagi filled with wooden cats, maneki-neko, and cat charms — nicknamed “Neko-dera.”

Before you go

Weekday hours end around 15:00 — plan to arrive earlier.
Public transport is sparse; a car is much easier.
Live cats may or may not be present; the figurines are the main attraction.

About Unrinji Cat Temple

Unrinji is a Rinzai Zen temple in the Mutsumi area of Hagi, Yamaguchi Prefecture, about 30 minutes by car from central Hagi. After the head priest began displaying maneki-neko, visitors started donating cat figurines; the grounds now hold hundreds of wooden cats (including chainsaw carvings), beckoning cats, and cat-themed omikuji, charms, and ema. A “cat Buddha” can be seen when the main hall is open. Live cats sometimes appear among the displays, but the main draw is the cat-themed art and culture rather than a street-cat colony. Visit quietly — this is an active temple. Hours are shorter on weekdays; check Facebook before you go.

How to get to Unrinji Cat Temple

By car: about 30 minutes from central Hagi toward Tsuwano on Prefectural Routes 11 and 13 (parking for about 20 cars).

By bus: from Hagi Bus Center, take a Bocho Bus bound for Kibe / Tsuwano and get off at Kibe (きべ). From there it is about a 30-minute walk, or connect to the local Mutsumi community bus (weekdays only) toward Kibeichi — tell the driver you are going to Unrinji. Public transport is limited; a car or taxi is usually easier.

Hours: weekdays about 9:00–15:00; weekends and holidays about 9:00–17:00. Free admission. Confirm on Facebook before visiting.

Reach central Hagi (Hagi Bus Center or Higashi-Hagi Station area).
Drive about 30 minutes toward Tsuwano (Routes 11 / 13), or take a Bocho Bus to Kibe and walk / connect by local bus.
Explore Unrinji — look for wooden cats, maneki-neko, and the cat Buddha when the hall is open.

Hagi Tourism — Unrinji

Yamaguchi Tourism — Unrinji

Unrinji (Facebook)

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