ねこまつり at 湯島

This unique event is all about celebrating two things: the Yushima neighborhood of Tokyo, and cats! Twice a year, shops and other spots all around Yushima bring a little extra fun to this area just south of Ueno Park with a special feline festival: cafes and bakeries offer cat-shaped treats, toy stores and gift shops display their cutest kitty goods, Tsumakoi Shrine offers a special cat goshuin, and the organizers hold an online photo contest to find the cutest local cats. Businesses all over Yushima join in on the festivities, so if you're a cat lover in Tokyo, we recommend just wandering around the neighborhood with an event map!