Neko-no-Hosomichi Alley

In short

Neko-no-Hosomichi Alley is a narrow lane of about 200 meters at the foot of Mt. Senkoji, running from the east side of Ushitora-jinja Shrine toward the Tennei-ji Temple Three-storied Pagoda. In 1998, Sonoyama Shunji, an artist based in Onomichi, began placing "Fukuishi-neko" (fortune cat stones) along this alley, which led to it being called "Neko-no-Hosomichi Alley."

• ​Searching for Fukuishi-neko​​: Fukuishi-neko are placed in various spots along the alley, including atop stone walls, at your feet, and under the eaves of houses. Each one has a different painted expression
• ​Walking the Alleys of the Sloped Town​​: Scenery unique to this sloped town continues along the way, including Fukuishi-neko hidden in bushes, cat sculptures, and the three-storied pagoda visible beyond the stone steps
• ​The Alley Museum​​: Beside the alley stands the "Maneki-neko Museum in Onomichi," which Sonoyama opened by renovating a vacant house, where thousands of collected maneki-neko (beckoning cats) are packed closely together

History and Highlights

​Neko-no-Hosomichi Alley​ is a narrow lane of about 200 meters located at the foot of Mt. Senkoji, running from the east side of Ushitora-jinja Shrine toward Tennei-ji Temple Three-storied Pagoda. Entering from the left-hand side of Ushitora-jinja Shrine as you face it, the alley extends to the left and right from the end, winding its way between houses built on the hillside.

The name comes from the "Fukuishi-neko" (fortune cat stones) created by artist Sonoyama Shunji, who is based in Onomichi. In 1998, Sonoyama began placing Fukuishi-neko along this alley, which led to it being called "Neko-no-Hosomichi Alley." The name is a play on Matsuo Basho's travelogue Oku no Hosomichi ("The Narrow Road to the Deep North"). Fukuishi-neko are round stones painted with cats, and they are said to possess mysterious powers, such as bringing success in love and restoring health. Sonoyama moved to Onomichi in 1997 (Heisei 9) and has been leading the "Onomichi Ihatov" project to create spaces utilizing vacant houses; shops and art museums renovated from empty houses are dotted around the alley.

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​Searching for Fukuishi-neko​​: Fukuishi-neko are placed in various spots along the alley, including atop stone walls, at your feet, and under the eaves of houses. Each one has a different painted expression, making it a joy to search for your favorites as you stroll.
• ​Walking the Alleys of the Sloped Town​​: The narrow alley also branches off into a small path leading back toward Ushitora-jinja Shrine. Scenery unique to this sloped town continues along the way, including Fukuishi-neko hidden in bushes, cat sculptures, and the three-storied pagoda visible beyond the stone steps.
• ​The Alley Museum​​: Beside the alley stands the "Maneki-neko Museum in Onomichi," which Sonoyama opened by renovating a vacant house. Thousands of collected maneki-neko (beckoning cats) are packed closely inside. Why not stop by after searching for Fukuishi-neko?

Tips for Exploring

It is about a 3-minute walk from the Sanroku (foot of the mountain) Station of the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway. You can visit while walking down from Senko-ji Temple via Tennei-ji Temple Three-storied Pagoda, or stop by from the Ushitora-jinja Shrine side. Ushitora-jinja Shrine, Tennei-ji Temple Three-storied Pagoda, and Senko-ji Temple are each introduced in their respective spot guides. Because the path is narrow with many steps and stone stairs, please watch your footing and wear comfortable walking shoes. The alley remains a residential living area today. If you encounter cats, please do not chase or touch them, but quietly watch over them from a slight distance.