🗺️ Cat Alley (猫の細道)猫の細道

Neko no Hosomichi (Cat's Alley) is a narrow pathway that stretches about 200 meters from the Agon Shrine in the Nagasaki area of Onomichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. The path earned the nickname “Neko no Hosomichi” after writer Haru Akiyama placed his handmade "Fukuzukinyan" (Fortune Stone Cat) there in 1998, quickly becoming a famous tourist spot in the Onomichi area. Along the pathway, many round stones have been painted to resemble cute cat figures, and there are also floor tiles and other decorative items featuring cat designs. Additionally, there are several little alleys where cats play and roam, making it a place where felines thrive and reproduce. Around Neko no Hosomichi, there are many shops and art museums styled after traditional Japanese houses, making it a perfect place to visit while strolling. One spot that shouldn't be missed is the "Maneki Neko Museum in Onomichi," which houses an impressive collection of around 3,000 different Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) works, a must-visit for cat lovers.

Along the way, there are various cat-themed decorations, the most famous being the "Fukuishi Neko" made from round stones cleverly painted. Several shops and museums are located nearby. The "Maneki Neko Museum in Onomichi" features 300 maneki-neko pieces collected from all over Japan. There are also several small paths where cats play and roam, which serve as a place for generations of cats to thrive and reproduce.