A must-visit for cat lovers – Tokyo’s super cute “Maneki-neko Train” only appears for half a year

▲ The Maneki-neko Train on the Setagaya Line of Tokyu Railway in Tokyo. (Photo / Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)

Reported and photographed by Tsai Wen-jun / Japan

Tokyo now has a super adorable “Maneki-neko Train”! To celebrate the 110th anniversary of its opening, the Setagaya Line of Tokyu Railway has launched a limited-time Maneki-neko-themed train running intermittently across the streets of Tokyo until March 2018.

The Setagaya Line of Tokyu Railway is one of only two tram lines in Tokyo. Originally known as the Tamagawa Line, it is affectionately called “Tamaden” by locals. The line features many famous cat-related spots, such as Goutokuji Temple, making it a must-visit cat-themed railway for feline enthusiasts traveling to Tokyo. To mark its 110th anniversary, Tokyu Railway introduced this incredibly cute Maneki-neko Train.

▲ The Maneki-neko Train runs irregularly with no fixed schedule.

▲ From the front to the body, the train is covered in Maneki-neko designs.

The front of the Maneki-neko Train features an adorable cat motif, while both sides of the car body are adorned with colorful Maneki-neko illustrations. In addition, all the hand straps and hanging rings inside the two-car train are designed in cute cat shapes, and the floor is printed with paw prints – this ultra-charming train has caused a social media craze since its launch in Japan. However, travelers should note that there is only one such train, and with no set timetable, it runs at irregular times each day. Even locals might not be able to catch it, leading Japanese netizens to say: “If you manage to ride it on any given day, you’re definitely very lucky!”

▲ % The ticket gate here is also cat-themed.