Komaneko Matsuri

Festival highlights

At Kotohira Shrine, the main venue, activities include Kijima Shrine, which watches over the komaneko guardian cats, a handmade market, an exhibition of works, and painting activities.

In the town center, visitors can enjoy exhibitions and hands-on activities related to Tango chirimen, cat-themed products, and activities that take them around local shops.

In 2026, a variety of events were announced, including shrine precinct tours, a quiz rally, town walks, and the Dai Tango Nekohaten.

Source: お知らせ - こまねこまつり | 丹後の人と猫のつながりを大切にするまつり

A walking tour of Mineyama to discover the komaneko guardian cats and Tango chirimen

What to expect

At the festival, visitors start at Kotohira Shrine and explore its grounds and Mineyama town center, stopping by exhibitions, sales, and hands-on activities.

There are activities that let you do more than just look, including painting ceramic komaneko figures and cat ema votive plaques, events related to Tango chirimen, and art exhibitions.

In 2026, the program also included a kyogen performance the day before and a related town walk, offering opportunities to experience Mineyama’s culture on separate dates.

How to take part

General visitors can enjoy exhibitions on the shrine grounds and in the town center, a handmade market, town walks, and more.

The 2026 event information introduced participatory activities such as workshops and a quiz rally, in addition to information for visitors.

Some activities require advance registration or have capacity limits, so check the requirements for each event you want to attend.

In addition to events where visitors can explore the venues freely, some related activities require advance registration.

Applications for the 2026 “Discover Our Town on Foot: Komaneko Walk” were accepted from September 14 to October 10, with places offered to the first 30 applicants.

When applying, provide your name, address, number of participants, contact details, and date of birth, and contact the Hagoromo Station office.

Source: てくてく我がまち再発見 こまねこウォーク2026 参加申し込み受付中 - こまねこまつり | 丹後の人と猫のつながりを大切にするまつり

Location and access

Venue and address

Mineyama town center and Kotohira Shrine (Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City).

Train and bus

Mineyama Station on the Kyoto Tango Railway Miyazu Line is the nearest station.

Kotohira Shrine is about a 20-minute walk from Mineyama Station. Alternatively, take a Tankai Bus from “Tankai Mineyama Garage” to “Mineyama,” then walk about 10 minutes.

By car

The event venue is around Mineyama town center and Kotohira Shrine in Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City.

Parking

Parking is available at Kotohira Shrine.

Source: Event information

Address 1165-2 Izumi, Mineyama-cho, Kyotango City, Kyoto Prefecture (Kotohira Shrine)

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Dates and season

2026 event information (the dates listed have passed)

The main event day in 2026 was September 21 (Monday, a public holiday), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The day before, prayers and the Night-Lit Komaneko Kyogen performance were held at Kotohira Shrine, and a related Komaneko Walk is scheduled for October 25.

The main event day has passed, and the related events are scheduled on separate dates.

Accommodation and hotels PR

Tips for your visit

The 2026 event took place in rainy weather, and some program details changed, including the cancellation of the morning session on the outdoor stage.

As many activities involve walking around the shrine grounds and town, weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

The event may be canceled or postponed due to severe weather or other circumstances, so be sure to check the latest announcements on the official website before visiting.

Nearby attractions

The festival venues are Kotohira Shrine, home to the komaneko guardian cats, and the town center of Mineyama.

The related Komaneko Walk follows a route through Yoshiwara in Mineyama, visiting Zenshoji Temple, the Tango Earthquake Memorial Museum, and Otabi Market.

Along with the festival, you can enjoy walking to places connected with the komaneko guardian cats, Tango chirimen, and Mineyama’s streetscape.

Museums and art museumsKyotango City

琴引浜鳴き砂文化館

日本の京都府京丹後市にある資料館

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：Asturio Cantabrio / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Facility data source

Temples and shrinesKyotango City

金刀比羅神社

日本の京都府京丹後市にある神社

Visit the official page ↗ⓘ Photo and data sources

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写真：Asturio Cantabrio / CC BY-SA 4.0

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Facility data source

Attractions in the same municipality. Check each attraction’s official website for travel distances from the venue and current opening information.

Origins and History of Komaneko Matsuri

Mineyama flourished as a production center for Tango chirimen crepe, and people have cherished cats for protecting silkworms and cocoons.

Against the backdrop of this faith and local memories, the “Cat Project,” centered on the komaneko guardian cats, was launched in 2011, and activities such as painting ceramic komaneko figures began.

Komaneko Matsuri grew out of these activities. Its first event was held in 2016, and it has continued as an autumn walking event around town.

Official information

Official information is available on the official website of the Komaneko Matsuri Organizing Committee.

Information is provided about the 2026 event, its programs, changes on the day, and registration for related events.

The committee’s phone number and email address are also provided for inquiries.

Source: ［舞台公演］夜灯りこまねこ狂言会（京都府文化力チャレンジ補助事業） | KYOTOHOOP｜京都府域文化芸術情報サイト（きょうとふーぷ）

Komaneko Matsuri at a Glance

Komaneko Matsuri is a local event where visitors can enjoy walking around the shrine and town, centered on the history of the komaneko guardian cats in Mineyama, Kyotango City, and Tango chirimen crepe.

The program offers plenty of ways to experience the culture of cats and the town, including a handmade market, exhibitions, painting activities, and walking tours.

The main event day in 2026 has passed, but a related Komaneko Walk is scheduled for October 25.