Ginza’s road sign cats take the internet by storm!
Ginza cats
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The Ginza shopping district in Tokyo, Japan, is a high-end shopping and entertainment district renowned for its luxury boutiques, department stores, upscale dining establishments, and modern architecture. It’s definitely one of Tokyo’s most sophisticated and fashionable areas.

But Ginza is not just about shopping; it’s also about hanging out with adorable cats as you explore the city. While you walk around the bustling streets, it’s not uncommon to come across cats leisurely strolling or taking a nap.

But there’s something weird about some of these Ginza cats.

They like to chill on top of the road signs.

As you’ll see from the pictures below, these cats are immensely popular with locals and tourists alike. They don’t seem to mind being photographed and fawned over for hours at a time. And now they are taking the internet by storm.

Ginza’s road sign cats take the internet by storm!

ginza shopping district tokyo

Where do the road sign cats come from?

Word has it that these cats were saved from a public health center after their mother met a tragic fate. A man adopted them and transformed them into the tourist sensations they’ve become today.

They were first seen around 2009, when they were just tiny lions, almost like kittens. Since then, Ginza’s road sign cats have become an iconic part of the bustling shopping district’s charm.

They’ve piqued the curiosity of numerous passersby, attracting crowds eager to snap photos and shower them with affection. Occasionally, their owner lifts them up, places them on the street, and allows people to take pictures.

These felines seem right at home and appear accustomed to sitting quietly and being fawned over. With their fancy, crunchy collars, they perfectly embody the luxurious ambience of the place.

However, even though these cats are incredibly popular and photogenic, some people raise concerns about their safety and wellbeing. There’s speculation that behind the cats’ stylish collars, the owner may have concealed and attached a clip to the back of the animals’ necks for better control. Of course, without knowing the complete background of these cats and their owner, it’s challenging to assess the situation accurately.

ginza shopping

Where to find the road sign cats?

The cats perched on road signs are scattered across various spots in Tokyo’s Ginza shopping district. You’ll mainly spot them on the street signs of Miyuki Street and Namiki Street, as well as on the guide signboard between the Sukiya Bridge and the Ginza 4-chome intersection

ginza cats

When to see the cats?

The cats can mostly be spotted on weekends, during the “pedestrian paradise of Ginza.” This term refers to a practice where certain streets or areas in Ginza are temporarily closed to vehicular traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly and cat-safe environment.

ginza neko

What you need to know before visiting

Location and accessibility

The Ginza shopping district is located in the Chuo Ward of Tokyo, Japan. It is southeast of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. The central street in Ginza is Chuo Dori, which runs through the district and is known for its upscale shops, boutiques, department stores, and luxury brands.

The area is well-connected by public transportation, with several subway stations serving the Ginza district. Some of the key subway stations that serve the Ginza area include:

  1. Ginza Station: The Ginza district has its own subway station named Ginza Station. It is served by the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line, Marunouchi Line, and Hibiya Line.
  2. Shimbashi Station: While not directly in Ginza, Shimbashi Station is nearby and serves as a major transportation hub. It is a significant railway station and a terminal for multiple lines, including the JR Yamanote Line, JR Tokaido Line, and the Yurikamome Line.
  3. Yurakucho Station: Yurakucho Station is another nearby station that serves the Yamanote Line, Yurakucho Line, and the Keihin-Tohoku Line.
  4. Higashi-Ginza Station: Located east of central Ginza, Higashi-Ginza Station is served by the Toei Asakusa Line and the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line.

Regarding train access, Shimbashi Station and Yurakucho Station are major JR stations nearby.

ginza shopping district tokyo

Opening hours

From Monday to Saturday, most shops in Ginza typically open around 10:00 am and stay open until around 08:00 pm to 09:00 pm. Department stores often have extended hours.

On Sundays, closing times may be slightly earlier, with many shops closing by 07:00 pm to 08:00 pm.

cats in japan

Guided tours

It’s possible to experience the Ginza shopping district with a local guide and get a custom experience. He will likely be able to tell you more about the Ginza road sign cats as well.

famous cats of japan

Dress code

Dressing casually is generally acceptable. However, some upscale restaurants and bars may have a smart casual or business casual dress code.

cats in ginza tokyo

Tipping

Tipping is not a common practice in Japan. Exceptional service is considered part of the standard experience.

cat saying hello

Conclusion – Meeting the Ginza road sign cats

Are you also enamored with these quirky feline mascots of the Ginza shopping district? Whether you’ve seen them in person or just in pictures, their unique presence in the heart of Ginza is hard to miss.

If you’ve met them, share your experience in the comments! We’re all ears and excited to hear your tales of encountering these famous feline residents of Ginza.

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