Hiroshima Onomichi: Maneki-neko Painting (Tenugui Included)

Onomichi’s temple paths lead to a quiet workshop where you can paint a papier-mâché maneki-neko, Japan’s lucky beckoning cat. You choose the design, work at your own pace with a how-to video, and leave with a handmade souvenir rather than another shop-bought trinket.

I like two things in particular: the peaceful temple setting makes this a welcome pause from sightseeing, and the video instructions in several languages help you get started without needing an English-speaking guide. Staff can also offer design ideas if you find yourself staring at a blank cat.

One thing to consider: this is a hands-on painting activity, so the result depends on your patience and comfort with freehand work. The venue can get hot, and outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan ahead and check any questions about refreshments with the workshop.

What to know before you book

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• Paint a lucky cat from scratch: You can create your own design on a lightweight papier-mâché figure, with examples to help you begin.
• Work at your own pace: Instructional videos are available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and French.
• Get help if you need it: Workshop staff can suggest design ideas and offer support as you paint.
• Take home two keepsakes: The package includes your finished cat and a tenugui, a traditional Japanese towel with auspicious designs.
• Set aside time for photos: A Japanese-style photo spot lets you pose with your cat against the temple surroundings.
• Check the calendar: The workshop is closed Wednesday and Thursday, and its opening hours vary by day.

👉 See our pick of the 3 Best Tours In Onomichi

A quiet workshop beside an Onomichi temple

This activity takes place at おのみち小物招き猫工房, beside a temple along Onomichi’s hillside paths. The setting is part of the appeal. Rather than painting in a busy shop or a large visitor center, you get a calm place to sit down and focus on one small, personal project.

The address is 宝土寺観音堂, 10-3 Higashitsuchidocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station. Onomichi’s hillside setting means the walk may include sloping paths, so allow a little extra time if you prefer an unhurried approach. There is no parking at the workshop; if you drive, you will need to use a nearby paid parking lot.

The location makes this a useful change of pace if your day has been built around walking and sightseeing. You are not being rushed through a series of stops. Instead, the main event is a quiet stretch of time to make something with your hands, in a setting that feels tied to Onomichi’s temple-side lanes.

Your first steps: choose a design and get started

Once you arrive, you can look over sample designs and watch the instructional video before painting. No art experience is required. The video is available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and French, which lets you follow the process at your own pace rather than relying on a live guide to explain every step.

That self-paced format is a real plus if you like to work quietly or need time to decide what you want to make. A blank cat can feel like a surprisingly large assignment at first. If you are stuck, staff can offer ideas and advice, so you do not have to invent a design from nothing.

You will be painting a papier-mâché cat, a traditional charm associated with good fortune. The material is lightweight and durable, which makes the finished piece easier to carry than a heavy ceramic souvenir. It is still a handmade item, so take care when packing it with the rest of your luggage.

Painting your maneki-neko

The painting is the heart of the activity. You are free to create your own design, using the samples as a starting point or coming up with something personal. That freedom is enjoyable if you like making things your own, but it can also be the trickiest part. Some shapes, such as the cat’s ears and paws, may take a steady hand to draw clearly.

You do not need to be skilled at art to take part. The instructions and sample designs help, and staff can lend a hand if you are unsure how to proceed. Still, go in expecting a craft activity, not a paint-by-numbers project. Your cat may have a few charming quirks, which is rather the point of making it yourself.

The activity can hold your attention more than you might expect. Painting gives you a reason to slow down, focus on small choices, and spend time away from the usual pattern of taking photos and moving on. If you are traveling with children aged three or older, they are eligible to participate. Younger children are not eligible, and younger participants may need an adult’s help with the painting.

There is no stated activity duration, so do not build a tightly timed connection or appointment around it without checking directly. The workshop is open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, and Friday, and from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays. It is closed Wednesday and Thursday.

A temple-side photo with your finished cat

When your cat is finished, you can take commemorative photos at a Japanese-style photo spot. The temple scenery gives the pictures a clear sense of place, and the finished cat becomes the focus rather than just another background prop. Staff can help with photos, too, which is useful if you are traveling alone or want a picture with your creation.

This part is optional in spirit, but it is a nice way to mark the activity. Your cat is a small souvenir; the photo records the time and setting in which you made it. You do not need to be a keen photographer to get something memorable from the stop.

The included tenugui towel adds another practical keepsake. It has auspicious designs and gives the package more than one item to take home. A tenugui is a traditional Japanese cloth towel, so it is easy to fold and pack alongside the cat.

Is $43.35 good value?

The listed starting price is $43.35 for the package, which includes the painting activity, your finished maneki-neko, and a tenugui towel. The value is less about the raw cost of materials and more about the full experience: a quiet workshop setting, multilingual instructions, staff support, and a chance to make a souvenir yourself.

If you only want a small lucky-cat keepsake, you may find it cheaper to buy one ready-made. This activity makes more sense if you value the time spent creating it and want a personal memory of Onomichi. The finished object is not just something you picked from a shelf; you chose its design and painted it yourself.

The price may also suit families or friends looking for a shared activity, provided everyone is happy to sit and paint. It is not a guided tour, and there is no audio guide or tour guide included. You are paying for the craft session and its included keepsakes, not for a broader introduction to Onomichi.

Who will enjoy this activity most?

I would recommend it to people who like hands-on souvenirs, want a slower hour in their sightseeing day, or enjoy small creative projects even when they are not confident artists. It can also work well for families with children aged three and up, since no prior painting experience is needed and the instructions are designed to be easy to follow.

It is a good fit if you enjoy making a keepsake that reflects your own taste. You can keep the design simple or try something more personal, and staff can help if you need a nudge. The activity is also practical for visitors who are not fluent in Japanese, thanks to the instructional videos in four languages.

You may want to skip it if you are in a hurry, dislike painting, or would rather spend your time on a guided sightseeing activity. The workshop does not include a guide, and the main attraction is the making itself. Also consider the location and opening days when planning your route. It is around a 15-minute walk from the station, and the workshop closes two days a week.

Practical details for a smooth visit

Book for the date you plan to go, since the voucher is valid only on the specified date and time, if a time is listed. Show your voucher from the Klook app when you arrive. Confirmation is typically sent within minutes; if it does not appear, contact customer support.

The workshop does not allow outside food or drinks, and pets are prohibited. Anyone who appears intoxicated may be refused service, with no refund in that case. If you expect warm conditions, plan your hydration before arriving and check with the workshop about what is permitted rather than assuming you can bring a drink inside.

Cancellations made at least 48 hours before the activity date, using destination local time, qualify for a full refund. If you are driving, remember that the workshop has no parking of its own.

Should you book the Onomichi maneki-neko painting?

Book it if you want a personal souvenir and a peaceful break from walking around Onomichi. The strongest reasons to go are the temple-side setting, the accessible video instructions, and the chance to make a lucky cat that is distinctly yours. The tenugui towel is a useful extra, and the photo spot gives you a simple way to remember the session.

Skip it if you are looking for a guided cultural tour or need a tightly timed activity with a fixed duration. This is a craft session, and freehand painting takes patience. For the right person, though, that is exactly the appeal: you slow down, make something by hand, and carry a small piece of your Onomichi day home with you.

FAQ

Where is the maneki-neko painting workshop?

It is at おのみち小物招き猫工房, at 宝土寺観音堂, 10-3 Higashitsuchidocho, Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture. The walk from JR Onomichi Station takes about 15 minutes.

What is included in the package?

The package includes the maneki-neko painting activity, the papier-mâché cat you paint, and a traditional tenugui towel with auspicious designs.

Do I need painting experience?

No. Sample designs and an instructional video are provided, and workshop staff can offer ideas and help.

What languages are available for the instructional video?

The video is available in English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, and French.

What are the workshop’s opening hours?

It is open Monday, Tuesday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is open Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Wednesday and Thursday.

Can children take part, and are pets allowed?

Participants must be at least three years old. Pets are prohibited.