[2025 Tokoname Attraction] Travel Guide for Otafuku the Giant Beckoning Cat (Updated Jun)

If you are a cat lover or a grandma lover(?), how can you miss this cute and huge lucky cat "Tokonyan" when you come to Nagoya! It only takes half an hour to get to Tokoname Station from downtown Nagoya by train. It is a great stopover before heading to Central Japan International Airport. As soon as you exit the station, you will see a giant cat lying on the wall with its hands raised. It is really soothing! You can go around the path next to it and reach the bridge for a clearer view. There are two kitten statues in front of the giant cat, looking at it. The picture is so cute! Not only tourists, but locals also like to stroll and take photos here. The entire "Lucky Cat Path" is also hidden with mini cat statues of various shapes, which are so cute when photographed. It has attracted many tourists and cat lovers from all over the world to make a pilgrimage! 📸 Tokoname is also known as the "hometown of lucky cats" because it produces the most lucky cats in the country each year. A large number of lucky cats are shipped from here every year. 📌 Another big plus point nearby is—— AEON MALL Tokoname is within walking distance and has a giant lucky cat on its outer wall. There is also a food court, supermarket and MUJI, so it's perfect for buying souvenirs or having a bite to eat before taking the train to the airport! — 🗺 Attractions Information 📍 Tokoname Lucky Cat Pass/Giant Lucky Cat "とこにゃん" 🚶 About 3 minutes walk from Meitetsu "Tokoname Station" 💡 Open all day and free to visit, daytime light is best for taking photos! 📍AEON MALL Tokoname (also has a huge lucky cat) 🚶 About 7 minutes walk from Rinku Tokoname Station, there are shopping, food, and rest areas ✈️ Only one train stop away from Central Japan International Airport (セントレア), super convenient～ #Nagoya Attractions #Tokoname Maneki-neko #Nagoya Must-go #Japanese Maneki-neko #Cat Lover Travel #Nagoya Half-Day Tour #Tokoname Station #Japan Free Travel #Central International Airport Tour #とこにゃん #aeonmallTokoname #Aichi Attractions #tokoname #セントレア #Maneki-neko Check-in #Maneki-neko Hometown #High-Speed ​​Granny — Who says you can’t have a relaxing trip before catching a flight? Next time you come to Nagoya, remember to leave some time for these cute lucky cats. Which one is your favorite? 🐱💬 #AprilGoodDestinations2025

When you enter the entrance on the Tokoname Aeon Mall Tokoname Noren-gai side, you will be greeted by Otafuku, one of the world's largest maneki-neko (beckoning cats). As it sits indoors, its size is truly overwhelming. It was named Otafuku (Otafuku) with the hope that it would bring much good fortune to all who visit this area. Maneki-neko (beckoning cats) are Japan's most famous lucky charms. It is said that its raised paws bring us happiness. The giant maneki-neko (beckoning cat) Otafuku is definitely worth a visit. #breathtakingviews #touristspots #touristadventures

1. Address - Tokoname Maneki Neko, Ceramic Promenade Features - Aichi Tokoname has the largest production of Maneki Neko every year, so it is called "the hometown of Maneki Neko"! Aichi Tokoname has the largest production of Maneki Neko every year, so it is called "the hometown of Maneki Neko"! Rating - 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 2. Address - AEON MALL Tokoname Features - The world's largest Maneki Neko By the way, Maneki Neko is a mascot representing Japan. A single raised hand can attract wealth and good luck. Tokoname City is the birthplace of Maneki Neko. This Maneki Neko is the largest in the world. In addition, the Tokoname Maneki Neko has some unique features Rating - 5 stars⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ #Nagoya Attractions #Tokoname Maneki Neko #Nagoya

#March Good Places 2025 The last time I passed through Nagoya Central International Airport (Centrair), I chose to spend a night in Tokoname and found the area to be cheaper than accommodation in downtown Nagoya and a place worth exploring. One of the biggest highlights, of course, is AEON Mall Chang Slip, which is not only a shopping center but also has a super many fun and food options that are definitely worth the time to stroll around! ⸻ Why did you choose to live in Changhua? 1. Affordable accommodation prices: Compared to living in downtown Nagoya, there are more hotel options around Tokio, and the prices are cheaper, suitable for transfers or short stays. I stayed at the Toyoko Inn for the night, and of course the price was very attractive! 2. Close to Central Airport: Just a few minutes drive from the airport, there is a shuttle bus or direct rail access for easy flights early the next morning. 3. AEON Mall Changslide: Food + Shopping + Fun Hub ⸻ What is there to do at AEON Mall? This AEON Mall is the largest shopping mall in the Toshiba area. ✅ Foot Soup Foot Soup Relaxation: There is a free foot soup outside the mall. If you are tired of shopping, you can soak your feet, super comfortable! ✅ Huge Dragon Ball photo spot: There is a super large Dragon Ball doll in the mall, Hayao Miyazaki fans must take pictures. ✅ Indoor Playground (Round1): Bowling, pinball machine, electric games, karaoke, etc., perfect for passing time. ✅ Japanese brand stores: whether UNIQLO, GU, Muji, or Daiso, Loft, want to buy souvenirs or daily necessities is very convenient. ⸻ Food recommendations There are many popular restaurants in AEON Mall, some of which are worth trying: 🍜Sugakiya: Nagoya area-limited ramen, the soup has a little sweetness of pork bone, cheap and delicious! 🍣 Kura Sushi (Tibetan Sushi): Rotary sushi has high CP value, only 110 yen per plate, you can also play twist eggs after eating. 🍛 Yaba Miso Pork Chop: A must-eat Nagoya specialty, thick-cut fried pork chop with rich miso sauce, delicious and filling! 🍩 Mister Donut: Japanese donut, specially recommended Pon de Ring, crispy outside and Q bouncy inside. Osaka King General: Chinese ramen 🍜 & dumplings 🥟 & Tianjin rice Starbucks: Although every country has it, Starbucks in Japan is not angry with a limited time limit, which is superb, such as this time with a chestnut collection ⸻ summary If your trip is via Chubu International Airport, or if you are looking for recreational attractions outside of Nagoya, Tokio AEON Mall is definitely a great option! With cheap accommodation, easy access, and food, shopping and leisure facilities, you can have fun all night long. Next time you pass through Nagoya, you might as well consider staying here and feel the relaxed atmosphere that is different from the city!

Tokoname City is located near the Chubu Centrair International Airport in Nagoya and is famous for its ceramic culture and the hometown of the lucky cat. The production of ceramics in Tokoname began in the late Heian period (around the 10th century), and "Tokoname ware" was developed due to the local iron-rich clay. In the Middle Ages, Tokoname became the first of the six ancient kilns in Japan. In the Edo period, Tokoname ware absorbed the Chinese Yixing purple clay craft and developed a unique red clay ware technique, especially the tea utensils. During the Great Kanto Earthquake in 1923, the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo remained standing thanks to the use of Tokoname-yaki bricks and tiles, further enhancing the reputation of Tokoname-yaki. Since the 1950s, Tokoname has become Japan's largest producer of lucky cats, accounting for 80% of the national market share. In 2017, the Tokoname ware production technique and the Maneki Neko Street were designated as "Japan Heritage". ⛱Itinerary tips: Recommended day trips in Tokoname: 1. Ceramics theme (half day) Tokoname ware originated in the late Heian period and has a history of a thousand years. It is famous for its unglazed firing technology and iron-rich clay and is known as "Japanese purple sand". Its heyday was in the early Showa period, when it was famous for producing industrial pottery such as earthenware pipes, shochu bottles, and tiles. Today, the walking path retains historical traces such as chimneys and ancient kiln ruins, and has been certified as a "Japanese Heritage", making it an excellent place to experience ceramic culture and industrial memories. 1. Pottery Promenade Route selection: It is divided into Line A (1.6 kilometers, about 1 hour) and Line B (4 kilometers, about 2.5 hours). Along the way, you can see the remains of the Meiji kiln factory, the pottery pipe wall and the climbing kiln square, which are full of nostalgia. Features include: 1) Dokanzaka (Ceramic Pipe Slope): The walls on both sides are inlaid with ceramic pipes from the Meiji period and shochu bottles from the early Showa period, and the road surface is paved with fired waste, forming a unique retro landscape. This place demonstrates the wisdom of local residents in environmental protection and recycling, and is one of the most representative landmarks of the promenade. 2) Climbing Kiln Square: This is the largest existing climbing kiln in Japan (an important national tangible folk cultural heritage), where you can get a close look at the kiln structure and traditional firing techniques. There are also pottery painting experience studios and gift shops in the square, which are suitable for making souvenirs by yourself. 3) Red brick chimneys and paths inlaid with ceramics: Red brick chimneys from the Meiji to Showa periods are dotted along the promenade, telling the story of the prosperity of the pottery kilns at that time. The ground and walls of the alley are dotted with ceramic fragments, revealing an artistic style in the details. 4) Specialty shops and renovated cafes: Ceramics workshops, retro grocery stores and cafes converted from old buildings are gathered on both sides of the promenade. You can take a break in the pottery-themed cafe, try Japanese desserts, or buy handmade ceramic tableware, ornaments, etc. The internet-famous drink, Tokoyami Milk, is not to be missed. 2. Lucky Cat Theme (half day) The Maneki Neko (招き猫) is widely considered by Japan to be part of its traditional culture, originating in the Edo period (about 400 years ago). In the early Edo period, cat-keeping was popular, and cats were endowed with mysterious attributes such as psychic powers and the protection of grains, gradually evolving into a symbol of "attracting wealth and fortune." Japanese folk tales often focus on the theme of "the kitten repaying a favor", such as the story of the Echigo-ya civet cat sacrificing itself in exchange for gold coins to repay a favor, which has become an important source of the belief in the lucky cat. Lucky Cat Attractions: 1) Giant lucky cat "Chang Miao" Features: This giant lucky cat, which is 6.3 meters wide and 3.8 meters high, is the iconic landmark of Tokoname. It is surrounded by 11 kittens of different shapes, which is very cute. It is not only a holy place for taking photos, but also symbolizes Tokoname's status as the largest producer of lucky cats in Japan. 2) Lucky Cat Avenue: 39 blessing ceramic cats created by 39 ceramic artists are inlaid on the wall, symbolizing different wishes such as love, health, and wealth. 3) The world’s largest lucky cat, “Duofu” As a symbol of Tokoname, the birthplace of the lucky cat, there is a 6.5-meter-tall giant lucky cat "Taifuku" (お多福) in the AEON MALL Tokoname shopping mall in Nagoya. It has a round and cute shape and an exquisite design on the back, making it a popular photo-taking spot. AEON MALL has many fashion flagship stores, more than 30 duty-free shopping stores, leisure and entertainment facilities (racing cars, zip line challenges, hot springs) and a variety of food styles. It is a one-stop experience of "shopping + culture + leisure", especially suitable for the last stop to replenish stocks or to deeply experience the local craftsmanship and food. 🚄Transportation strategy: From downtown Nagoya: Take the Meitetsu Tokoname Line to Tokoname Station. The ride takes about 40 minutes and costs about 700 yen. From Central Japan International Airport: Take the Meitetsu Airport Line to Tokoname Station, which is only 1 stop (5 minutes); or take the free shuttle bus to AEON MALL. Self-driving: Drive along the Ise Bay Road or the Chita Peninsula coastline. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but you need to pay attention to Japanese traffic regulations. Please see the picture for details. 💗Other tips: Symbolic meaning and folk connotation of lucky cat: 1. Gestures and gender connotations Raising the left hand: symbolizes good fortune and making many good friends. It is usually in the shape of a female cat and is suitable for families or places that value popularity. Raising the right hand: symbolizes attracting wealth, and is often in the shape of a male cat, often seen in shops or in occasions of seeking wealth; Raising both hands: It means "double wealth and fortune", but it is quite rare. 2. Color and function: Different colors of lucky cats carry different wishes: White: luck and purity; Gold: fortune and luck; Black: ward off evil and eliminate disasters; Pink: promotes affection; Blue: career success. The golden bell on the chest symbolizes good luck and fate. 3. Posture and details Open eyes/close eyes: Open eyes attract distant wealth, close eyes attract nearby wealth; Hand height: Low hands bring good fortune nearby, high hands bring good luck far away

#February Good Places 2025 A trip to Nagoya, Japan, unintentionally allowed us to find this super huge lucky cat. If you look closely, the lucky cat doesn't say "Chang Man" on it, but "Chang Slip". Why? Check on the map, it turns out that this area is Toshiwa City. The Lucky Cat is located at the Toshiwa City branch of Aeon Super Plaza. Friends who are interested in getting rich can come here to shake hands and take a photo with this super huge lucky cat! Of course, you can also go to the supermarket to purchase a variety of Japanese snacks and play with the pinball machine and twister machine! 📍Address: AEON Super Plaza, Tokiwa, Nagoya #Nagoya Family Tour

Transportation Tips - Take the Higashiyama Subway Line to Kanayama and transfer to the Meitetsu Tokoname Station Local attractions - Nagoya Tokoname Lucky Cat Food and restaurants - There is a small shop that provides coffee, where you can sit down and chill Shopping Guide - There are some ceramic craft workshops along the trail, as well as shops selling ceramics.