Japan Cat-Themed Cultural Adventure Tour with Sherry from Ottsworld

Embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure through Japan, where history, culture, and a deep love for cats intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Discover the origins of the lucky Beckoning Cat at Tokyo’s enchanting temples, wander through charming old-town streets lined with feline-themed shops, and take part in hands-on cultural experiences such as tea ceremonies, sushi-making, and sake tasting.

Beyond the city, breathtaking landscapes await—sail through the scenic islands of Matsushima Bay, cycle past rice fields in Rikuzentakata, and set foot on the legendary Cat Island, where friendly strays roam freely. At every stop, enjoy warm hospitality in traditional inns, indulge in exquisite kaiseki cuisine, and soak in soothing onsens. With exclusive encounters like a lively tuna auction and a mesmerizing Tiger Dance performance, this journey offers a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and heartwarming feline encounters.

DATES

Starts November 3rd 2025 departure in Tokyo.
Finishes on November 10th 2025 in Tokyo.
585,608JPY per person (approximately US$3975 calculated at the exchange rate of US$ to JPY of 1=147.3)
A non-refundable deposit of approximately 20% is required to secure seat at time of booking (JPY120,000), with final payment of your tour due 90days before departure.
Rooms are twin share.

Single supplement is available depending on availability for an additional fee.
Single supplement is plus 20,000JPY per person dependent on availability.

TOUR SCHEDULE
Day 1: Arrival in Tokyo & Cultural Introduction
Date: Monday, November 3
Welcome to Japan! Upon arrival at Tokyo Airport, travelers will be greeted and transferred to their hotel, where they will meet their guide for an orientation session. During this time, the guide will introduce key cultural insights, including the unique tradition of collecting Goshuin stamps, sacred calligraphy received at temples and shrines. A hands-on workshop will allow guests to create their own Goshuin stamp books, making for a memorable souvenir. In the evening, the group will enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant within walking distance of the hotel, setting the stage for the adventure ahead.
Accommodation: Almont Hotel Nippori or similar in Ueno area

Day 2: Exploring Gotokuji – The Lucky Cat Temple & Cat Painting Workshop
Date: Tuesday, November 4
After breakfast, the group will embark on a guided journey through Tokyo’s subway system, gaining confidence in navigating Japan’s efficient public transportation. The first destination is Gotokuji Temple, the birthplace of the famous “Maneki Neko” (Beckoning Cat), where the guide will share fascinating stories about the temple’s history and its significance in Japanese culture. Visitors will also learn about Japanese religious practices and customs, including how cemeteries are arranged and the processes surrounding death rites in Japan.
For lunch, the group will explore the retro shopping street near Gotokuji, sampling local cuisine before returning to Nippori for a creative afternoon session. Guests will participate in a cat-themed painting workshop while enjoying a relaxing drink and sweet treat. The evening is free for further exploration of Tokyo.
Accommodation: Almont Hotel Nippori or similar

Day 3: Old Town Yanaka & Traditional Tea Ceremony
Date: Wednesday, November 5
The day begins with an immersive exploration of Yanaka, one of Tokyo’s most historic districts, known for its well-preserved old-town charm and abundance of cat-themed shops and attractions. A guided walking tour will introduce guests to traditional street food, hidden alleys, and artisan crafts.
A highlight of the day is a special tea ceremony, featuring delicate, cat-shaped confections created exclusively for the group. Travelers will also have the opportunity to browse the many unique stores along Yanaka Ginza shopping street, which are filled with feline-inspired souvenirs. After an enriching day, guests will return to the hotel for a free evening in Tokyo.
Accommodation: Almont Hotel Nippori or similar

Day 4: Tokyo’s Imado Shrine & Bullet Train to Sendai
Date: Thursday, November 6
Early in the morning, guests will visit Imado Shrine in Asakusa, another important site associated with the Beckoning Cat. This charming shrine is believed to bring good fortune and is a must-visit for cat lovers. After taking in the peaceful surroundings, the group will return to the hotel to collect luggage before boarding the Shinkansen (bullet train) bound for Sendai.
Upon arrival, the group will meet their local guide and check into their hotel. In the afternoon, guests will visit a cat shelter near Sendai Station, where they can interact with rescued cats and learn about animal welfare efforts in Japan. The evening will be spent enjoying a delicious meal at a traditional izakaya, followed by a visit to Bar Aquarius, where travelers can sip on cat-themed cocktails while enjoying playful games and themed décor.
Accommodation: Hotel Keihan Sendai or Onyado Nono Sendai

Day 5: Tuna Auction, Sake Tasting & Matsushima Bay
Date: Friday, November 7
The day starts with an exciting visit to a local tuna auction, where guests will witness the lively bidding process and learn from the auctioneers and buyers about the grading and quality of different tuna cuts. Following this, the group will meet local fish market vendors and participate in a sushi bowl-making experience, gaining a deeper understanding of Japanese seafood culture.
Next, travelers will explore the renowned Urakasumi Sake Brewery, where they will take a guided tour of the facility and sample various types of sake, paired with small bites to enhance the flavors. The afternoon will be spent exploring the scenic coastal town of Matsushima, famous for its picturesque bay dotted with pine-covered islands. Guests can enjoy free time strolling along the waterfront, visiting temples, or participating in optional activities such as kimono dressing or bracelet-making at a temple.
In the evening, the group will check into Tama Hotel in Ishinomaki, where they will have the special opportunity to watch the hotel’s resident cats being fed. The owner’s rock-and-roll-inspired interior design adds a unique charm to the stay.
Accommodation: Tama Hotel

Day 6: Cat Island (Tashirojima) Adventure
Date: Saturday, November 8
A visit to the famous “Cat Island” awaits! After a morning stop at the Miyagi Tsunami Memorial Museum, the group will board a ferry to Tashirojima, home to a large population of friendly stray cats that have become a beloved attraction. While exploring the island, travelers will visit the Cat Shrine, admire scenic views from Magna Island, and relax at a small island café. Lunch will be enjoyed on the ferry ride back to Ishinomaki.
The evening will be spent at a traditional Japanese inn in Kesennuma, where a multi-course kaiseki dinner will be served. Guests will also have the opportunity to witness a local Tiger Dance performance, an exciting cultural tradition of the region.
Accommodation: Kesennuma Plaza Hotel

Day 7: E-Bike Tour in Rikuzentakata
Date: Sunday, November 9
The group will set off on a guided e-bike tour through the Rikuzentakata region, a stunning landscape shaped by both nature and the community’s resilience following the 2011 tsunami. Riders will visit various historical and natural sites, including rice fields and memorials, while gaining insight into local life. A special lunch will be prepared and shared with local women, offering a heartfelt cultural exchange.
Later in the day, the group will travel to Kamaishi for an overnight stay at a scenic seaside ryokan, where they will enjoy a traditional meal and relax in the onsen.
Accommodation: Kamaishi Horaikan Inn

Day 8: Return to Tokyo & Departure
Date: Monday, November 10
The journey comes to a close as travelers depart from their ryokan and take a private coach to Morioka Station, where they will board the bullet train back to Tokyo. Upon arrival, guests will have free time to enjoy last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or simply relaxing before catching their international flights home.

Inclusions
Through guide to support and translate from Japanese to English throughout the tour
Local experienced guide for each activity such as hiking, and cycling.
Most breakfast, lunch and dinners as written
Transportation within the tour as listed
Twin-share accommodation each night
Original Cocktail

Dietary Requirements
If you have allergies such as buckwheat, nuts or seafood, we can accommodate these needs at every meal as long as we know in advance. Furthermore, we can also accommodate for vegetarian (specifically lacto-ovo vegetarian) or pescatarian options for each meal as well with notice. Unfortunately, we cannot cater specifically for gluten-free, halal, kosher or vegan options on this particular tour.

Cancellation Policy
Final payments are due 90 days before departure. At this time it will become non-refundable.
Cancellations after this date will incur 100% of the tour cost.
Cancellations before this date can be made but the deposit is non-refundable.
All cancellations must be received in writing and are not effective until received.
If your trip has commenced, no refund will be given for any unused services if you leave the trip early or if portions of the trip package are missed (for whatever reason).

Payments
We will send a booking confirmation by email with an invoice requesting the deposit to secure the seat, and then the remaining balance prior to tour departure date. If Michinori Travel Tohoku has not received payment by the due date, the booking will be cancelled.
Payment can be made via bank transfer or online credit card payment.

Travel Insurance
It is a condition of booking, that the sole responsibility lies with the guest to ensure that they carry the correct comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover themselves, as well as any dependents/travelling companions for the duration of their trip in Japan. This insurance should include cover in respect of, but not limited to, the following eventualities: cancellation or curtailment of the tour, emergency evacuation expenses, medical expenses, repatriation expenses, damage/theft/loss of personal baggage, money and goods. Michinori Travel Tohoku, including their representatives, employees and agents will take no responsibility for any costs, losses incurred or suffered by the guest, or guest’s dependents or travelling companions, with regards to, but not limited to, any of the above-mentioned eventualities.
Guests will be charged directly by the relevant service providers for any emergency services they may require and may find themselves in a position unable to access such services should they not be carrying the relevant insurance cover. Michinori Travel Tohoku can upon request provide insurance quotes for suitable Travel Insurance.


To reserve, please apply here